Willie Nelson Shock ‘I’ve Stopped Smoking Weed’ Over Breathing Issues ‘Smoking Almost Killed Me’

ABBOTT, TX. (THECOUNT) — Country music legend, Willie Nelson, has made the shocking announcement that he is no longer smoking marijuana – due to ongoing health and breathing issues.

Nelson, 86, who owns his own line of marijuana products said, “I don’t smoke anymore — take better care of myself.”

During the CMA Awards last month, Nelson performed with Kacey Musgraves and at one point it appeared as though he was struggling for breath. But he did pull through the performance.

“I have abused my lungs quite a bit in the past, so breathing is a little more difficult these days and I have to be careful,” Nelson said.

Nelson had to postpone the tail end of his tour in August due to breathing issues. He resumed the tour the next month, reports 6ABC.

“I started smoking cedar bark, went from that to cigarettes to whatever,” Nelson told KSAT. “And that almost killed me.”

Nelson isn’t planning on stopping touring anytime soon. He told the local affiliate that singing for an hour on stage is the best exercise for his lungs. He also added that the tour bus is home to him.

Geo quick facts: Abbott, Nelson’s hometown, is a city in Hill County, Texas, United States. The population was 356 in 2010 – Wikipedia.