pelagic Posted September 10 Share Posted September 10 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-10/tobacco-trade-plummets-black-market-cigarette-popularity-grows/104329276 This does make me laugh. They've made it so expensive to smoke now that this is all the addicts can do. It's actually become worth risking the massive fines for selling illegal tobacco. Good one, over regulation. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreshAyr Posted September 10 Share Posted September 10 Yeah I know the local tobacconist near where I used to live sell them for $10. My daughter used to buy them but has stopped smoking now. They do a roaring trade there and I know most of those places, which are everywhere, do the cheap ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mantis Posted September 10 Share Posted September 10 I'm not surprised either. Even the legitimate sellers tend to either stock some illegal ones or will direct you where to find them. The local cops don't care, they won't act until there have been a number of complaints - and who's going to complain about cheap smokes except for busybody's worrying about how other people live their lives? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pelagic Posted September 11 Author Share Posted September 11 True, but Australia boasts a growing population of Mrs Mangels. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two-bit Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 I saw a TikTok last night of a lady who posted the price list from a servo. Alpine 25s for $77.... No wonder. Nictotine is highly addictive and used as a coping strategy for some mental illnesses. No surprise the illegal trade is roaring. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadwasathome Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 1 minute ago, Two-bit said: I saw a TikTok last night of a lady who posted the price list from a servo. Alpine 25s for $77.... No wonder. Nictotine is highly addictive and used as a coping strategy for some mental illnesses. No surprise the illegal trade is roaring. Yes, there needs to be far more action to stop the illegal trade, and more action on replacements for those who need them. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolly_F Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 Most people I know who smoke have been doing it illegally for years due to the cost. Raising prices doesn’t stop people, they find illegal ways, alternatives or their families go without. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianalynch Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 Totally agree it’s a case of over regulation…the price controls are at a level that incentivise illegal trade. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenflea Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 I saw a guy on the ABC talking about how he pays $62 for a pack of cigarettes, smoking I think he said, 2 packs a day. He said he's glad he has no kids because he already goes without food to pay for them. He's tried to quit a few times and can't. He said he was eating noodles, but now he'll live off rice to pay for them. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pelagic Posted September 11 Author Share Posted September 11 It’s weird to think how you’re financially better off being addicted to illegal drugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dadwasathome Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 8 hours ago, pelagic said: It’s weird to think how you’re financially better off being addicted to illegal drugs. Nicotine replacement always have been, and remain, relatively inexpensive 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaitForMe Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 All the illegal places around us have been blown up. Literally. 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iamferalz Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 DD’s boyfriend used to smoke (he comes from a country where it’s ubiquitous) but gave up very quickly in Australia due to the price and the lack of social reinforcement. He was young enough to do it. It would be much harder for an older Mrs Mangel (or Dot Cotton for us British people!) type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pelagic Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 (edited) @Dadwasathome Heroin replacements are much cheaper than nicotine replacements. Edited September 12 by pelagic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STBG 2 Posted September 12 Share Posted September 12 11 minutes ago, pelagic said: @Dadwasathome Heroin replacements are much cheaper than nicotine replacements. You need a prescription for Heroin alternatives but not for patches. Nicotine patches are way more accessible and are also available cheaper on prescription from a GP. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mantis Posted September 12 Share Posted September 12 Saying nicotine replacement is inexpensive, and therefore should curb illegal tobacco sales, is like suggesting public transport should eliminate the need for car theft. Sure, technically it’s a cost-effective option, it doesn't address the reasons why some people are still drawn to the cheaper, illegal alternatives. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STBG 2 Posted September 12 Share Posted September 12 3 minutes ago, Mantis said: Saying nicotine replacement is inexpensive, and therefore should curb illegal tobacco sales, is like suggesting public transport should eliminate the need for car theft. Sure, technically it’s a cost-effective option, it doesn't address the reasons why some people are still drawn to the cheaper, illegal alternatives. If this was in reference to my post I did not intend to imply this in my post. Addiction is an addiction, all of them are extremely hard to overcome no matter what resources are available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mantis Posted September 12 Share Posted September 12 4 minutes ago, STBG 2 said: If this was in reference to my post I did not intend to imply this in my post. Addiction is an addiction, all of them are extremely hard to overcome no matter what resources are available. No, sorry I was responding to @Dadwasathome 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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