A study conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that between 2020 and 2023, the number of Australians using vaping devices has surged by a staggering 45 per cent. This increase comes despite strict government regulations aimed at curbing the use of vaping products, including strict laws to regulate the sale and use of e-cigarettes and vaping liquids. On October 1, 2021, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) imposed a ban on the sale of vaping products without a valid prescription, to control their distribution and usage. The move was intended to protect public health and prevent…
Author: Dana Cetojevic
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has implemented a groundbreaking law last month to decriminalise the possession of small quantities of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, meth, and ecstasy. Under the new legislation, individuals found in possession of small amounts of illicit substances will no longer face criminal charges. Instead, they will be subject to civil penalties and diversion programs aimed at addressing addiction and preventing re-offending. The ACT Health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said this approach prioritises health and social outcomes over punitive measures, and aligns with the global trend of harm reduction strategies. “We are not encouraging people to use…