Western Australia to override national vaping laws, but just two retailers have been prosecuted for illegal sales

Despite a string of new laws, there’s no shortage of vapes on Australian streets. Right now, you need a prescription to legally buy one from a pharmacy. But the federal government will soon allow anyone over the age of 18 to buy a vape, if a pharmacist deems it clinically appropriate. “We've listened to the community we've heard from community pharmacy. They do not want to be in the position of selling vapes, and the West Australian Government will step in.” The WA government will follow Tasmania and override the change with its own regulations. Making it illegal to purchase a vape without a prescription. “we've seen a 700% increase in the number of vape users within Australia. To actually restrict the supply of vapes to script-only can only improve health outcomes.” Despite these tough laws at a local deli near here in Perth, I was offered a range of vapes for sale in the very flavors and packaging the state government is vowing to crack down on. With no prescription or ID needed. The federal government warned prosecutions for black market sales are on the horizon. “Pretty soon I want to see prosecutions starting to be prepared by authorities because this is too important to the health of our young people.” WA Health have seized more than half a million illegal vapes in two years. But only two businesses have been convicted in that time. “By seizing hundreds of thousands of vapes is we're disrupting that supply chain and stopping them from even getting to the shops to be prosecuted.” The State Government is drafting regulations it says will be introduced as soon as possible.