A PROVIDER of therapeutic vapes has warned more action is needed to combat the thriving black market.
Wilhelm David, CEO of From the Fields Pharmaceuticals, stressed that unregulated vapes are still widely used by Australians due to their broader flavour options.
"Our legitimate fear under the new rules is we're seeing a spiralling situation where overall cigarettes and tobacco use may rise, not fall, despite the govt's good intentions," David said.
While therapeutic vapes are being restricted to mint, menthol, and tobacco flavours, David believes offering fruit flavours could help transition smokers and illicit vape users to regulated products.
"The decision to limit flavours in therapeutic vapes is driving many ex-smokers back to the black market," David said.
He also noted that low availability of therapeutic vapes in pharmacies further undermines efforts to curb the black market.
"To properly address the issue, these products must be more accessible in pharmacies," he added.
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