A LAUNCESTON business owner has raised concerns that recent changes to vaping laws could result in former smokers taking the habit back up.
Under federal government changes that came into effect on October 1, it is now illegal to obtain nicotine-containing vaping products without a doctor's prescription.
Ryan Hussey owns and operates Launceston's 888 Vapes, which produces nicotine-free e-cigarette liquids.
He is one of a handful of Tasmanian vape juice manufacturers and deals largely with online orders and mainland and Tasmanian stockists.
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Like many in the vaping community, Mr Hussey disagrees with the regulations that mean those wanting to obtain nicotine-containing vape products must get a prescription from a GP.
"I don't think scripts are the way to go," Mr Hussey said.
"You can still buy cigarettes anywhere. It's hypocritical.
"Every person now needs a script and that will mean some doctors will be signing scripts for vaping for months on end just to keep up with the demand."
Mr Hussey moved to Tasmania in 2016 and was introduced to vaping after being a heavy smoker who consumed 20 cigarettes a day.
"When I had moved down the guy delivering our furniture was vaping and I asked him what it was. He told me about vaping and took me to the vape shop to buy my own. I started vaping and I haven't touched a cigarette since.
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"Some other people that I know still vape and then have two or three cigarettes a day and some just cut out cigarettes completely and go to vaping."
In contrast to Mr Hussey's opinion, Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government's stance remained firm.
"The Tasmanian government's long-term position, based on advice from health experts, is that the evidence is far from settled on the extent that a personal vaporiser may damage a person's health or whether they sing a personal vaporiser product is more effective than other measures already available to aid smoking cessation," Mr Rockliff said.
"We will continue to follow the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council to have a regulatory framework in place."
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Nikita McGuire
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
