The family of reggae icon Bob Marley are planning to launch the world’s first global cannabis brand: Marley Natural Fine Cannabis.
According to its marketing material, it was developed to honour Marley’s life and carry his message of social justice and the benefits of cannabis.
Marley, who died in 1981, was a well-known advocate of ‘the herb’, as he called it, which he said brought him inner peace and furthered his creativity. “When you smoke the herb it reveals you to yourself,” he said.
[pullquote align=”right”]”He felt it was important to the world. He looked forward to this day.”[/pullquote]Marley’s family say the aim of Marley Natural is to promote Jamaica’s positive attitude towards marijuana in areas where cannabis is legalised but negative stereotypes still exist.
The venture has the financial backing of Privateer Holdings, who describe themselves on Twitter as ‘a private equity firm strategically investing in the emerging legal cannabis field’.
Rita Marley, Bob’s widow, said: “My husband believed ‘the herb’ was a natural and positive part of life. He felt it was important to the world. He looked forward to this day.”
The products will be released in 2015 in areas where cannabis use has been legalised. A number of American states have decriminalised the drug in recent months.
The Marley Natural brand will also offer cannabis and hemp-infused topicals, such as sun repair creams and lotions. The cannabis used will be grown using organic fertilisers.
In the UK the law continues to prohibit the unlicensed growth, sale, possession and use of cannabis.
Featured photo courtesy of prensa420 via Flickr