Vic prison boss backs quit smoking plan

A 12-week period is enough for prisoners to break a nicotine addiction, says Victoria's Corrections Commissioner.

Inmates held since a smoking ban was introduced on July 1 can now only access nicotine lozenges, as opposed to the nicotine patches newer inmates continue to have access to.

There are fears cutting inmates off at 12 weeks will increase tensions in a system still recovering from the large riots already held over the smoking ban.

"I understand from the health authorities, that in that 12 weeks period, that is sufficient amount of time," Corrections Commissioner Jan Shuard told ABC.