"I think it's time to stop thinking backwards" - Vaping Consumer
- Kim
- Jun 28
- 2 min read
I am 51 and have been smoking cigarettes for well over 20 years. I decided to give e-cigs a try in 2015, and I have not touched a cigarette since. I have tried other quitting methods but found myself always craving a cigarette, then returning to cigarettes in a short period of time, feeling like I was in a hopeless situation of wasting time and money on products that simply weren’t working for me.
Fact - I was no longer coughing up phlegm, or even a smokers cough and generally feeling better health wise, as well no nicotine stains on fingers or smelling like a cigarette. I regained my sense of smell too. These are just some of the benefits that come to mind.
Now, I can receive a fine or even be arrested for my choice to want to be cigarette free. If this is how I’m interpreting this legislation, this is madness.
I’ve looked into the products introduced to pharmacies and despite being overpriced there’s nothing there that caters for me. I don’t vape with the pod system. So even the devices are nowhere as reputable as the RTA devices I use, which are excellent in quality and reusable.
Having my rights and freedoms dictated to with draconian legislation that offers no real benefit or protection will just drive more people to a healthier black-market and/or a deadlier rise in cigarette smoking.
The evidence is overwhelming already with the rise of criminal activity and burning down of competitors tobacconists. It’s a sure sign that the only true winner from this and previous legislation has been the black-market. While all those in the Vaping industry here in Australia, who were doing the right thing lost their businesses to this legislation.
I think it is time to stop thinking backwards and realise that banning something has never worked. We need to give credit where credit is due and as much as we don’t want to admit it, we got it wrong. Our neighbouring country, New Zealand, who regulate vapes seem to have far less of an issue or problems with teen vaping than we have here.
There has been a lot of misinformation and lack of understanding with vaping in general. Hopefully, the truth will eventually come out. I’m hoping that will happen, so I can spend less time on trying to maintain and fight for a freedom and right of choice we so deserve to have in a democratic society.
Submission To Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 Inquiry
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