The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has officially set a date for when people will need to get a doctor's prescription to legally get a vape.
From October 1 next year, people who want to use e-cigarettes or buy liquid nicotine will have to go to their GP to get a note that certifies they need the product.
The TGA released a statement, saying: "This decision...aims to prevent adolescents and young adults from taking-up nicotine e-cigarettes while allowing current smokers to access these products for smoking cessation on their doctor's advice.
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"There has been a significant increase in the use of nicotine e-cigarettes by young people in Australia and in many overseas countries.
"There is evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes act as a 'gateway' to smoking in youth and exposure to nicotine in adolescents can have long-term consequences for brain development."
Across Australia at the moment, it's illegal to vape, which might surprise some people who see or smell the unmistakable e-cigarette seemingly everywhere.
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However, under state and territory laws, the sale of nicotine e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine is illegal. It's also illegal to possess these products everywhere except for South Australia.
The TGA's decision will mean you will have to provide a pharmacy or online pharmacy with a prescription in order to get your vape, e-cigarette or liquid nicotine.
"The requirement for a prescription will provide an opportunity for consumers to receive advice from their doctor on smoking cessation in the context of their overall health management," the TGA said.
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Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt believes this is a big step forward in protecting young people from getting hooked on the flavoured products.
"This decision will both reduce the risk of an onramp for teenagers...while rectifying the issue of legal importation but illegal possession."
A recent national drugs survey revealed more than half a million Australians like to vape and at least 2.4 million have tried it at least once.
People who vape say it has helped them stop smoking and are worried a doctor's prescription could end up making them switch back to ciggies.
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At the moment, there are only 14 doctors in the whole country who are able to prescribe vapes, according to the ABC. Hopefully there will be loads more who get licensed by October 1 next year otherwise the underground market for vapes will explode.
Greg Hunt said: "It is important to note that any doctor may currently prescribe nicotine containing e-cigarettes that can be used by consumers for personal importation.
"This is not widely understood, and it is an important matter of public information that over 30,000 GPs may currently, and in the future, prescribe nicotine-based e-cigarettes for smoking cessation."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Australia