Our library includes resources put together by our knowledgeable and experienced doctor to improve awareness of the potential benefits, risks and regulations surrounding the use of nicotine replacement therapy medicine in Australia.
Our Goal here at We Can Quit is to get you to the preferred goal of stopping smoking, then to wean off the lower-risk nicotine products like vaping as well over time.However, it is far safer to use these products long-term than to relapse to smoking.
1Where did vaping come from?
The modern e-cigarette was invented in 2003 by Chinese Pharmacist Hon Lik as a safer alternative to smoking. In 2007, these devices had started to become more popular worldwide and were sparking concerns about nicotine addiction within younger populations and non-smokers.
At its core, vaping involves the inhalation of aerosolized substances. The typical e-cigarette consists of a battery, a heating element, and a liquid (e-liquid) containing nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. When the user activates the device, the heating element vaporizes the liquid, creating an aerosol (commonly misnamed “vapor”) that is inhaled into the lungs.
The use of disposable vapes over 2% are illegal in Australia.
There was a huge problem of importation of illegal vapes into Australia, meaning that there was no control of the contents and strength of nicotine in these vapes. There was no regulation for these types of vapes. Prescription vapes as used in smoking cessation are regulated and are deemed safer as a smoking cessation tool.
Governments worldwide are increasingly regulating the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes. This includes restrictions on flavours, which are particularly appealing to young people, and the implementation of stricter age verification processes.
Here are the facts:
According to the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (ATHRA), ‘Under Australian law, it is illegal to buy, possess or use liquid nicotine for vaping without a prescription from a registered Australian medical practitioner.
In Australia, medicines and poisons are listed in the Poisons Standard and are classified into categories called Schedules, which determine how they are regulated. Nicotine is classified as a Schedule 7 ’dangerous poison’, along with arsenic and strychnine. The exceptions to this classification are nicotine in tobacco for smoking and medicinal nicotine replacement products.
However, importation, use and possession of liquid nicotine for a ‘therapeutic use’ (eg to quit or reduce smoking or to prevent relapse) are legal if the user has a prescription from an Australian medical practitioner. It is then classified as a Schedule 4 product (prescription only) and it is permissible to possess or use it for personal use. It is legal for the doctor to write the prescription.
In January 2020, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners approved the use of nicotine for vaping for smokers have tried other methods and failed to quit.’
With the changes in law over the last 1-2 years regarding selling nicotine vapes by tobacconist and nicotine vape available as purchase over the counter at Pharmacy (S3) at a lower strength, it leaves many vulnerable nicotine dependent people to access moderate to higher strength either illicitly and/or revert to cigarette smoking. Both of which will result in much shorter and longer term lung injuries.
It is our position at We Can Quit not to endorse/support nicotine vaping, however, we have an epidemic with nicotine/vaping dependence and it is our mission to help you quit by mitigating harm with prescribed, regulated nicotine replacement therapy.
‘Vaporisers (vapes or e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid (usually containing nicotine) into an aerosol for inhalation. Vaping is used mainly as a less harmful substitute for smoking. Users should try to stop vaping if possible, but long-term use is likely to be far safer than relapsing to smoking. Vaping is not recommended for non-smokers or young people under 18 years of age.
Vaping is popular because it:
‘There is growing evidence that vaping has helped many smokers to quit. Millions of smokers have quit overseas with vaping and personal vaporisers are the most popular quitting aid in the UK, US and EU.
However, where conventional treatments are not effective, vaping is a legitimate harm reduction tool. Vaping is a safer substitute for smoking which provides the nicotine that smokers are addicted to but without the smoke that causes almost all of the harm to health.’
There are three smoke-free nicotine products which have been used by millions of smokers to quit globally. These are:
Electronic cigarettes
Swedish snus
Heated tobacco products (also known as heat-not-burn or HnB)
All these products deliver nicotine to satisfy nicotine cravings. Electronic cigarettes and HnB products have the added advantage of replicating the familiar hand-to-mouth ritual and sensations of smoking which smokers can find very hard to stop.
While not risk-free, the overwhelming scientific consensus is that these products deliver far lower levels of toxic and harmful compounds than combustible cigarettes. If a smoker switches completely from smoking he/she is likely to have substantial improvements in health.
Plant based therapy medicine use entails potential risks like psychological effects (anxiety, impaired cognition), addiction, impaired coordination, and respiratory issues. It can also impact memory and lead to Cannabis Use Disorder. Plant based therapy medicine may also interact with medications making it even more important to talk through any other
What is plant based therapy medicine? Plant based therapy medicine, also referred to as plant-based medicine, medical cannabis or medical marijuana, entails the utilisation of compounds derived from the cannabis plant, known as cannabinoids, for the purpose of relieving the symptoms of a variety of conditions. Although plant based therapy
Cannabis strains are categorized as indica, sativa, and hybrid. Each type has distinct effects, with indica strains being more relaxing and sedative, while sativa strains are more energising and uplifting. Hybrid strains offer a more balanced experience with effects from both. However the strain is not the only important consideration;
It is currently illegal to drive in Australia with any amount of THC in your system, as it can cause impairment. It is important to know that THC can be detected in saliva for 4-6 hours after use, in blood for up to 7 days, and in urine for up
There are many ways to take plant based therapy medicine, each with its own effects, benefits, and drawbacks. The most common forms are oils, capsules, and the dry flower. Other methods, such as sublingual strips, oral sprays, suppositories, edibles, topicals, and dabbing, may also be prescribed if your doctor thinks
CBD is not psychoactive, while THC is. CBD is used to treat pain, anxiety, and insomnia. THC is used to treat chronic pain, nausea, and appetite loss. Both CBD and THC are available by prescription in Australia. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound present in plant medicine, known for its
The Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence
TGA – Medicinal cannabis: Information for consumers
Health Direct Medicinal cannabis
Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research and Innovation
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We Can Quit is dedicated to supporting individuals in their journey to quit smoking by promoting the recommended use of vaping as a harm reduction strategy, as endorsed by the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (ATHRA). By providing guidance on safer vaping practices, selecting appropriate devices, and transitioning away from combustible tobacco, We Can Quit empowers individuals to take control of their health and reduce the risks associated with smoking.