Australians’ experiences with vaping after the implementation of vape reforms: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: To explore whether Australian adolescents and adults had observed changes in (1) ease of vape access, (2) cost of vapes, (3) retailer practices, (4) vape use and (5) nicotine product switching since the introduction of reforms prohibiting the retail sale of vapes. METHODS: A purposive sample of Australians aged 16 to 39 years was recruited to participate in one of 12 age- and gender-stratified focus groups conducted from February to April 2025 (n=98). Template analysis was used for data synthesis. RESULTS: Participants reported that vapes remained widely available and easily accessible, and that use among peers and within the community remained high. They noted that retailers were more covert when selling illicit vapes, hiding products in paper bags or out of direct view. Some product switching, predominantly to nicotine pouches, was also reported. CONCLUSIONS: The experiences of Australians after the introduction of the vaping reforms suggest that vape access has remained largely the same, with retailer practices evolving to ensure the ongoing sale of illegal products. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Findings highlight an urgent need to strengthen enforcement efforts to reduce access to illicit vapes. An integrated and comprehensive approach to tobacco and nicotine control capable of withstanding industry interference must be adopted.