Since 1 October 2021, nicotine liquid has been classified as a prescription-only medicine in Australia. Australia is the only country that classifies nicotine vaping products (NVPs) as such, in other Western countries nicotine liquid is seen as a consumer product.

The Australian model has been an embarrassing failure. Although the aim was to allow adults to access nicotine vapes with a doctor's support and prevent youth vaping, the opposite effect is the reality. It has created a thriving black market that sells unregulated, mislabelled nicotine products to adults and to children.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is pushing to increase NVP restrictions. This approach will:

• Fuel the black market by driving the sale of NVPs further underground
• Reduce adult access to vaping, as very few doctors are willing to prescribe NVPs
• Increase youth smoking, as vaping diverts young people away from smoking
• Lead to more smoking, as vaping is the most effective and popular quitting aid in Australia and worldwide

Watch Dr Colin Mendelsohn'sfull interview here.

For more information about nicotine products and smoking cessation, click here.