As a resident of Australia, I have been aware of the strict regulations surrounding cigarettes in our country. From plain packaging to high taxes, the government has implemented various measures to discourage smoking. However, one type of cigarette that has gained immense popularity in recent years is menthol cigarettes. In this article, I will be sharing my insights on the current availability and purchase of menthol cigarettes in Australia.
Menthol cigarettes are flavored cigarettes infused with menthol, a substance derived from mint leaves. The cooling and numbing effect of menthol makes these cigarettes more appealing to some smokers, and it is often marketed as a “less harmful” alternative to regular cigarettes. The use of menthol cigarettes is widespread, with approximately 80% of African American smokers and 30% of Latino and white smokers in the US consuming them. However, the popularity of menthol cigarettes has not gone unnoticed by the Australian government.
In Australia, the sale, supply, and distribution of menthol cigarettes, as well as any other flavored cigarettes, have been prohibited since 2016. This decision was made to prevent young people from being attracted to smoking through flavored cigarettes. As the leading cause of preventable death in Australia, cigarettes are a major concern for the government, and efforts have been focused on reducing tobacco consumption in the country.
With the ban in place, it may seem like it is impossible to purchase menthol cigarettes in Australia. However, this is not entirely true. While it is illegal for stores and retailers to sell menthol cigarettes, they are still available through other means, such as online purchases. Websites like cigaroo.net offer a wide selection of menthol cigarettes, including popular brands like Marlboro, Camel, and Winston.
So, how can online retailers sell menthol cigarettes in Australia, you may wonder? The answer lies in the legal ambiguity surrounding online cigarette sales. While the sale of menthol cigarettes is banned, there are currently no laws explicitly prohibiting online sales of tobacco products. This loophole has allowed online retailers to continue selling menthol cigarettes in Australia, making it a lucrative market for them.
However, it is worth noting that these online purchases come with their own set of risks and challenges. Firstly, there is the issue of legality. As individuals, we have a responsibility to abide by the laws of our country, and purchasing banned products online may result in legal consequences. Moreover, the quality of these cigarettes cannot be guaranteed, and they may not meet the standards set by the Australian government for cigarettes sold within the country. Additionally, purchasing cigarettes from online vendors also means forgoing the stringent packaging and health warnings that come with cigarettes sold in Australia.
It is also essential to understand the potential health risks associated with menthol cigarettes. While some may argue that they are a safer alternative to regular cigarettes, studies have shown that menthol cigarettes may in fact be more harmful. The mint flavoring can mask the harshness of tobacco, making it easier for smokers to inhale and increasing the risk of addiction. Menthol cigarettes have also been linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other serious health issues.
In conclusion, menthol cigarettes may be available for purchase in Australia through online retailers, but it comes with significant risks. As a country, we must continue to educate the public about the dangers of smoking and implement stricter measures to reduce tobacco consumption. It is also crucial for individuals to be mindful of the consequences of purchasing banned products and make responsible choices.
As a smoker myself, I understand the allure of menthol cigarettes, but I also recognize the importance of following the laws and regulations set by the government. Smoking, whether it is menthol or regular cigarettes, is detrimental to our health, and we must make an effort to quit and protect ourselves and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco.