Pharmacists will be able to sell vapes with limited nicotine content over the counter once they have a discussion with a person about health harms and confirm they’re over 18.

It’s a watered-down version of the Albanese Government’s initial proposal to require smokers to get a doctor’s script in exchange for the Greens vote to pass the legislation in the Senate.

The amended bill will now need to be ticked off by the government-controlled lower house before it can come into law ahead of the July 1 start date.

The peak pharmacy lobby has criticised the scheme, saying their members should only sell products that have a proven therapeutic benefit, but Health Minister Mark Butler and the Greens insist the right balance has been struck.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia wants prescriptions to remain in place, arguing pharmacists are healthcare professionals who dispense medication that has a proven therapeutic benefit.

“Vaping has long-term patient harms, including cancer, lung-scarring and nicotine addiction,” a guild spokesperson said.

“There is limited evidence to support the use of vaping products for smoking cessation and nicotine dependence.

“The Senate’s expectation that community pharmacies become vape retailers, and vape garbage collectors, is insulting.”

Butler said pharmacies won’t be forced to sell vapes as they are private retailers and the price will be set by the market.

They retail under the counter for about $50 to $60 after the Government increased border surveillance to stop illegal products flooding the market.

People under 18 will need a prescription to buy a vape and they will only be sold in plain packaging and without flavouring to stop kids being targeted.

Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH) has warmly welcomed today’s Senate decision to pass the Vaping Reforms Bill.

​”This Bill is a vital step in the Government’s continuing reforms on vaping, closing the loophole that let mislabelled vapes containing nicotine into the hands of our children and young people,” Laura Hunter, Co-CEO of ACOSH, said.

“The days of our kids walking past the local vape stores to and from school are about to end. This is a big win for the Australian community.

“Equally, the importance of the change that vapes will undergo to restrict their flavours, design and amounts of nicotine cannot be understated.

“It will take away the appeal and availability that enticed our kids and got them hooked.”

The opposition suggested a different model rather than a ban, insisting regulating and taxing vapes would be beneficial and still reduce smoking levels while acknowledging adults could make their own choices.

It would still bring in plain packaging but instead apply an excise and licensing regime for sellers similar to cigarettes, opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston announced.

It would also set aside $250 million over four years for a new federal police task force.

(with AAP)