Marley Natural is one of the first companies to publicly announce its ambitions to become a global cannabis brand. The Marley family is on board, and has approved of the use of Bob Marley’s name and image.

If you have ever walked past a head shop or through the centre of Amsterdam, you will be aware that many in the 'canni-business' are already using his likeness to promote their wares - Marley Natural will be hoping to cash in on the association.

The company is being backed by Privateer Holdings, a New York private equity firm who specialise in “strategic investments in the cannabis industry” and hope “to acquire and create mainstream brands, professionalising the cannabis business landscape through the power of private enterprise.”

A logo has been designed by Heckler Associates, the same company who came up with the Starbucks ‘mermaid’ logo and design all of the coffee giant’s packaging.

Marley Natural has a slick website that feels like a mix between a mainstream beer company, a high-end fashion retailer and an NGO.

There is no ‘about page’ but there is a ‘mission’ statement which calls on users to join its ‘social movement’ to help them: “Champion Bob’s voice and his insight to help people realise the positive potential of cannabis for the mind, body, and spirit ... to help undo the suffering and injustice of cannabis prohibition around the world.”

The brand hopes to have established a global presence by the end of 2015.