Redland Bay pharmacist slams selling vapes in community chemist shops

A bayside chemist has condemned new vape laws which force the sale of the products into pharmacies, fearing it will not stop black market sales and undermine her role as a health professional.

Redland Bay WholeLife Pharmacy owner Fiona Watson says it is unlikely her store will stock vapes in October. Pictures: Judith Kerr

A bayside chemist has slammed tough new national vape laws a day after the new measures came into play, claiming it would do little to stop the sale of black market vapes.

Until October 1, vape users will need pharmacists to fill out a doctor’s prescription to buy vapes with the choices significantly curtailed to three flavours: mint, menthol and tobacco.

But in October, under legislation passed in the Senate last week, only those under 18 will need a script, leaving chemists and pharmacies “pseudo gatekeepers of vapes”, according to the pharmacy industry.

Already Chemist Warehouse, Priceline Pharmacy, Terrywhite Chemmart, Blooms the Chemist and Pharmacy 777 in Western Australia have expressed concern and reluctance to stock vapes.

It is not mandatory for pharmacies to supply vapes and is up to the discretion of the business’s owner.

Many pharmacists are concerned at being expected to supply substances that could potentially cause long-term harm. Picture: Contributed

Redland Bay WholeLife Pharmacy and Health Foods pharmacist Fiona Watson said the changes undermined her role as a health professional and could lead to greater demand for illegal vapes, as the legislation drafted without consulting the industry.

Ms Watson said it was “unlikely” she would stock the vapes as selling them alongside healthcare products was similar to endorsing them and would send mixed messages.

“I don’t sell alcohol, I don’t sell cigarettes, and I don’t see how vapes are any different,” Ms Watson said.

“It’s already causing confusion for patients and pharmacists.

“I’ve seen no evidence to show that vapes help people quit smoking but I have seen a lot of evidence to show they’re addictive and harmful.

“Many pharmacists are concerned at being expected to supply substances that could potentially cause long-term harm and that is contrary to my role dispensing medicines that have proven therapeutic benefits and have Therapeutic Goods Administration approval.”

The new laws have banned varieties of vapes and limited flavours to mint, menthol and tobacco. Picture: Contributed

Pharmacy Guild of Australia vice-president Catherine Bronger said pharmacists should not be forced to police the retail supply of vapes to children.

“We’re not policemen, we’re pharmacists and we should not have to police these items especially as we know they’re often used by under-aged people.”

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia initially opposed the legislation but has since accepted the changes following the Senate approval.

The PSA said it was now concentrating on the best ways to support pharmacists who choose to stock nicotine-containing therapeutic vapes.

“While amendments to the legislation are not PSA’s preferred approach, we also recognise the need for strong action to address the vaping public health crisis and this starts with ending retail supply of vapes.”