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Vaping

Vapes, vaping, e-cigs, e-hookahs, juuls, vape pens, pods, cuvies, stigs

Black and white photograph of man blowing vapour out of a vape pen

The information on this page has been sourced from NSW Health and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC).

E-cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid called 'e-liquid' into a vapour that users inhale. Inhaling this vapour is commonly referred to as 'vaping'. 

E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes and can be made to look like everyday items including highlighters, pens or USB memory sticks. Vapour from e-cigarettes does not usually have a strong odour. E-cigarettes may have a sweet smell depending on the flavour.  

E-liquid contains a range of chemicals and it may or may not contain nicotine.  

Vaping and the law

E-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine are legal in NSW. Adults can buy and use e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine.

From 1 October 2021 e-cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine are a prescription only medicine. This means pharmacists in community pharmacies can supply e-liquids and e-cigarettes (containing nicotine) to their customers (18 years and over) if they have a valid prescription from a doctor.

For retailers other than pharmacies it will continue to be illegal to sell e-liquids and e-cigarettes that contain nicotine. This includes online sales.

Under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 (NSW), it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories to a person under 18 years of age. Adults (18 years and over) can buy and use e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine. 

The Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 and the Passenger Transport (General) Regulation 2017 prohibit people from using e-cigarettes in smoke-free areas.  

For more information see:

From 1 January 2024, the importation of disposable vapes is prohibited, subject to very limited exceptions. The ban will apply to disposable vapes irrespective of nicotine content or therapeutic claims. It means that it will be unlawful to import disposable vapes on or after 1 January 2024. 

For more information, see:

Effects

E-cigarettes are not risk free. They may expose users and bystanders to chemicals and toxins such as propylene glycol, glycerol or ethylene glycol that cause adverse health effects, and may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular, cancer and respiratory diseases. E-liquids or vapour can also contain potentially harmful chemicals which are not present in smoke from tobacco cigarettes.

E-cigarettes are often labelled incorrectly and may contain high levels nicotine, even when they claim not to contain nicotine. Too much nicotine from e-cigarettes can cause nicotine poisoning.

For more information about the effects of vaping see the NSW Health E-cigarettes page

Vaping and young people

Many vapes contain nicotine making them addictive. Most vapes with labels that claim to be nicotine free contain nicotine and a lot of other chemicals. Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray.

Vapes can leave young people at increased risk of depression and anxiety. 

Nicotine is a drug that is often in vapes and is highly addictive for young brains. It can cause long-lasting negative effects on brain development. Nicotine changes the way brain synapses are formed in young people. This can harm the ability of young people to pay attention and learn, and can affect mood and memory.

Young people who vape are 3 times more likely to take up smoking cigarettes. Vaping has been linked to lung disease.

Find out more at:

 

Getting help

Quitline

Call Quitline on 13 78 48 (13 QUIT) for information and advice about quitting, assessment of your nicotine dependence, strategies on preparing to quit and staying quit. They can also help you think of ways to approach a conversation with your child or loved one about vaping. 

The Aboriginal Quitline is also available on 13 78 48 (13 QUIT). Run by Aboriginal Advisors, the Aboriginal Quitline is a telephone-based confidential advice and support service. 

iCanQuit

For people who are attempting to quit tobacco and are considering using nicotine-free e-cigarettes, using nicotine replacement therapy products such as lozenges, gums, nasal sprays and patches may be a better option. The iCanQuit website provides information on quitting methods, links to support groups and top tips to help you choose the best method for you.