Exclusive | Gen Z fueling tobacco sales as wild claims cigarettes are healthier than vaping go viral: plant-based alternative

Gen Z thinks cigarettes are good for you.Young smokers are bringing the cancer sticks back, and not just because they want to look like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.

Many Gen Zers claim smoking cigarettes actually makes them feel “healthier” — especially those trying to kick vapes, who insist making the switch cleared up their health issues.As one youngster on TikTok puts it, cigarettes are the “plant-based alternative” for vaping.Currently on Reddit, Gen Z members ask whether cigarettes might actually be better than disposable vapes or if vaping is really all that much safer than a Marlboro.Meanwhile, on Instagram, accounts like @cigfluencer continue to worship at the altar of Joe Camel.Ironically, many Zoomer smokers say cigarettes were their gateway to vaping — and now they’re switching back to traditional cigarettes, just as tobacco stocks are reaching five-year highs.

Philip Morris International is up more than 100% over the past five years, while British American Tobacco has gained almost 73%.Everest Simmons, a Gen Zer from Los Angeles, told The Post she picked up cigarettes at 13 before switching to vaping in her 20s when JUUL, a brand of electronic cigarette, exploded in popularity.“When I was vaping, one-third of the breaths I was taking were hitting my vape,” Simmons recalled.“I noticed it becoming harder to catch my breath on walks or hikes.

My skin looked duller, and my eyes looked dull.”When she fractured a bone in her hand, six weeks passed without healing and her doctor explained that nicotine constricts blood vessels, restricting circulation and stalling recovery.Simmons tossed her vapes — but when cravings hit, she chose traditional cigarettes instead of a nicotine patch and a doctor-approved plan to quit.“At my next checkup, I had significant healing,” Simmons recalled.

“I’m not saying cigarettes are healthy, but people’s relationship with cigarettes is more sustainable than with a vape.”The 26-year-old said afte...