Therapeutic Vapes vs Illegal Vapes: What You Need to Know

Last updated: 12 February 2025

Firstly, let’s clarify the two:

Therapeutic vapes: Trusted medical products available exclusively in pharmacies
Illegal vapes: Blackmarket imports sold anywhere outside a pharmacy, including online

While therapeutic vapes may look relatively similar to some of the blackmarket products being sold illegally, the similarities really do end there.

Let’s dive into it here…

Manufacturing

Therapeutic vapes

Made under stringent pharmaceutical standards on the manufacturing process and ingredients

Illegal vapes

Made as cheaply as possible for maximum profits, often in very unhygienic conditions

Safety

Therapeutic vapes

In-built safety mechanisms in the hardware, and the final product is toxicologically assessed and hazard screened for inhalation

Illegal vapes

No safety features, often containing unknown / low-quality ingredients and very high levels of nicotine, which can result in an overdose

Supply

Therapeutic vapes

Locally supplied by Australian pharmaceutical wholesalers, just like your other trusted medicines

Illegal vapes

Imported under the radar by the same criminal groups importing hard drugs and illicit tobacco

Purpose

Therapeutic vapes

Specifically designed to help you stop smoking or using illegal vapes as quickly as possible, then move you to fresh air whenever you’re ready

Illegal vapes

Specifically designed to keep you addicted, and also to hook a new generation of young first-time users to increase ongoing crime profits

Support

Therapeutic vapes

Your pharmacist / GP will support you throughout your quitting journey, such as regularly checking in on your progress, and if needed, adjusting your treatment to help you stay on track and achieve your goals

Illegal vapes

No support at all, due to their purpose outlined above

How and where can I access them?

How much can I save by quitting with them?

The real dangers of illegal vapes

If you’re currently using an illegal vape (purchased anywhere outside a pharmacy, including online), we highly recommend stopping immediately for your health.

They have been found to contain:

If you’re truly interested in quitting, the best place to start is at your local pharmacy. Your pharmacist can assess your situation, and if suitable, can supply a range of quitting therapies including therapeutic. vapes without a prescription (ex. WA and TAS).

Find your nearest participating pharmacy now, and remove the harms of smoking and/or illegal vapes today.

Why choose therapeutic vapes from pharmacies?

Choosing the pharmacy path for accessing vapes is a better option to support your quit-smoking journey.

Vapes available through pharmacies are made to medical standards, go through rigorous quality control, and dispensed in a controlled, professional environment.

Unlike products from unregulated sources, pharmacy vapes come with the added reassurance of being supplied by healthcare professionals who prioritise your wellbeing.

Pharmacists are trained to offer personalised advice and guidance, helping you choose the right product and use it safely and effectively.

Now, keep in mind that no vape is 100% safe—but pharmacy vapes are made to regulated standards and supplied by professionals focused on your health.

Disclaimer:
Therapeutic vapes are not currently approved by the TGA as smoking cessation aids. They are regulated as prescription medicines and must meet specific quality standards. Products containing less than 20mg/mL of nicotine may be sold over the counter at pharmacies if they are TGA-compliant.

How to find a pharmacy that stocks therapeutic vapes?

Find your nearest participating pharmacy now.

Find your nearest pharmacy

All listed pharmacies have been verified as a stocked and trained provider of therapeutic nicotine vapes

All health and safety information on Quitwise is evidence-based, fact-checked and provided from reputable third party sources

The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical guidance. Quitwise is not responsible for any health outcomes based on the information presented here.

Quitwise is owned and operated by Liber Pharmaceuticals for the purpose of furthering education regarding therapeutic vaping products as a second-line therapy for the purposes of smoking cessation and the management of nicotine dependence.

Liber is an Australian owned and operated company and has no affiliation with the tobacco industry, their affiliates, or any organisations or individuals engaged in lobbying on their behalf.

Find your nearest pharmacy

All listed pharmacies have been verified as a stocked and trained provider of therapeutic nicotine vapes