Yes, it is illegal to sell or supply vapes to anyone under the age of 18 in Australia. Federal and state laws heavily regulate vapes, treating them similarly to tobacco products.
As of December 2019, the legal age to buy vaping products in any US State is 21. That's the law so, by definition, teenagers should not be allowed to vape at all, let alone regularly.
Fines for vaping in Australia vary significantly by state and the specific offense, ranging from on-the-spot fines for using vapes in smoke-free areas (like $300 in NSW) to huge penalties for illegal supply or possession, reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars or even imprisonment for individuals and corporations, especially for nicotine-containing products without a prescription. The laws target commercial supply, making it hard to buy vapes, while personal possession penalties differ by territory, with some states like WA having very high fines and others less severe.
If your child is already vaping or smoking, or if you suspect they may be, try to avoid getting angry at them or making threats. Instead, stay calm and try having a conversation with them using a reasonable 'adult-to-adult' tone. Use open-ended questions. Find out what they find appealing about the products.
In Australia, adults 18 years and over can access therapeutic vapes from pharmacies without a prescription, but those under 18 must have a prescription - where state and territory laws allow.
Current e-cigarette laws in Australia
A consumer needs a valid prescription to purchase nicotine containing e-cigarettes (vapes) in Australia. Vaping products (even those containing no nicotine) cannot be sold or supplied to anyone under the age of 18 years (even on prescription).
Drivers who are caught vaping behind the wheel could face fines or even a driving ban. In this know how guide, we look at if it is illegal to use a vape when driving, as well as the risks associated with the habit.
Yes, lungs can begin to heal and show significant improvement after 7 years of vaping once you quit, with inflammation decreasing and lung function improving, but the extent of recovery depends on the damage; the sooner you stop, the better the chance for healing, though extensive, long-term damage might be permanent, emphasizing the need to quit for the best possible outcome and consulting a doctor for persistent issues.
Admit it and ask for a doctor's appointment to get some help in quitting. Your parents will have a mountain of respect for you for taking responsibility and asking for help. Doing so will shut down whatever reaction you are worried about. Good luck quitting.
Blood Test: A simple blood draw can detect traces of nicotine about two hours after use. Test priced at $70. Hair Follicle Test: This is a good option for parents who think their child has been either vaping or smoking nicotine for a long period of time and the child might stop using it just to get through the test.
Under the NSW Smoke-free Environment Act 2000, vaping is banned wherever smoking is banned. A $300 on the spot fine may apply. For support to quit, visit iCanQuit.com.au or call Quitline on 13 78 48 today. why?
Yes, you can vape in Australia in 2025, but it's heavily regulated: you generally need a doctor's prescription to buy nicotine vapes, they must be purchased from pharmacies (not vape/convenience stores), and only mint, menthol, and tobacco flavors are legal, with strict new quality standards from July 2025, restricting sales to compliant therapeutic products. Vaping is illegal for anyone under 18, and strict rules govern where you can vape, with bans in smoke-free areas, leading to fines.
If you witness a vaping-related offence: Report online or call the Tobacco Regulation Branch: 6684 2036 / 6684 2037, from 9am to 9pm daily (including weekends and public holidays)
There are many reasons youth might vape. E-cigarette marketing and advertising, the availability of appealing flavors, social influences, and the effects of nicotine all play a role in why youth start and/or continue to vape.
Vaping is the act of inhaling an aerosol (not water vapor) created by an electronic cigarette or vape. Vapes come in many shapes and sizes and can be hard to identify. Many look like a writing pen, highlighter, USB, or other everyday items.
But nicotine vaping could still damage your health. “Your lungs aren't meant to deal with the constant challenge of non-air that people are putting into them—sometimes as many as 200 puffs a day—day after day, week after week, year after year,” Eissenberg says.
Doctors can use certain tests to detect nicotine or other chemicals found in vape products: Urine tests: Can show nicotine or cotinine, a byproduct of nicotine, even if you only vape occasionally. Blood tests: These can also detect nicotine and its metabolites.
Stealth vaping techniques
We know that vaping can damage your lungs and harm the brain, which is still developing and maturing into your late 20s. The long-term effects of vaping aren't known yet, but what we know right now isn't great. There's no such thing as safe vaping, even occasional vaping can be harmful to your health.
Bronchiolitis obliterans, also called popcorn lung, is a respiratory condition that affects the bronchioles of your lungs. The bronchioles are the smallest airways in your lungs. If you have this condition, these airways become inflamed, damaged and then scarred because of inhaling toxic substances or from infections.
Vaping may have fewer lingering odors than traditional cigarettes, but that doesn't mean it's completely smell-free. Over time, the scents from flavored e-liquids can become trapped in your home's fabrics, carpets, and even walls.
Possessing a vape at school isn't just against the rules—it comes with significant disciplinary actions. If a student is found with a vaping device, they can face: Immediate confiscation of the device. Required participation in educational intervention programs.
In most cases, it is illegal for people under the age of 18 to buy or use vapes. Vaping can make people feel more anxious, stressed or depressed; it can also make it harder to breathe. Nicotine use can affect brain development in young people under 25 and increase their risk of future addiction.
Fines for vaping in Australia vary significantly by state and the specific offense, ranging from on-the-spot fines for using vapes in smoke-free areas (like $300 in NSW) to huge penalties for illegal supply or possession, reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars or even imprisonment for individuals and corporations, especially for nicotine-containing products without a prescription. The laws target commercial supply, making it hard to buy vapes, while personal possession penalties differ by territory, with some states like WA having very high fines and others less severe.
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