Western Australia Will Enact New Regulations: Pharmacies Are Prohibited From Selling E-cigarettes Without Prescriptions

Western Australia will enact new regulations: pharmacies are prohibited from selling e-cigarettes without prescriptions

Western Australia's Minister of Health Amber-Jade Sanderson announced that she would seek to overturn federal laws prohibiting pharmacies from selling e-cigarettes without a prescription in response to community concerns about children's access to e-cigarettes. Despite the upcoming federal regulations, Western Australia will maintain strict sales restrictions.

According to The West on September 25, Western Australia will seek to overturn federal laws prohibiting the over-the-counter sale of e-cigarettes in pharmacies.

The state's Minister of Health Amber-Jade Sanderson will announce new regulations on Wednesday (25th) to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes without a prescription. This is before the federal government's new regulations will be implemented next Tuesday (October 2). The new federal regulations will allow pharmacists to sell e-cigarettes when "clinically appropriate". In addition, it stipulates that the packaging must be marked with graphic warnings, uniform brands and sizes, and prohibit the use of additives in tobacco products. Therapeutic e-cigarettes are limited to mint, menthol and tobacco flavors.

The federal government's move has sparked community concerns that children may have easier access to e-cigarettes, while pharmacists are also concerned that they will become tobacco dealers.

Under the constitution, if there is a conflict between federal and state laws, federal law will apply; however, this does not extend to regulations. It is reported that although the amendments to the Medicines and Poisons Regulations 2016 will not be introduced before the new federal regulations come into effect on October 1, they are being drafted as a "priority".

Sanderson said the sale of e-cigarettes without a prescription will remain illegal in Western Australia.

"There is strong evidence that e-cigarettes contain dangerous substances, including chemicals that can cause fatal diseases and cancer - we welcome the Albanese government's changes to packaging and flavours."

"We have listened to the community and pharmacists who have told us they do not want e-cigarettes sold over the counter in pharmacies. We share their concerns, which is why we are introducing new regulations to maintain our strong protections, just like in other states."

When the deal between Labor and the Greens was announced in late June, the Pharmacists Union slammed it, with deputy president Anthony Tassone saying the changes put a new generation of young people at risk.

"Pharmacists are healthcare professionals and community pharmacies do not want to supply this potentially harmful and highly addictive product without a prescription."