How Bob Marley Popularized Weed Smoking

Although Bob Marley died on 21 May 1981 aged just 36 there is no doubting the massive influence he had on bringing reggae into mainstream music. He must also be credited with popularizing weed smoking through his music as well as his strong Rastafarian beliefs.

The poignant fact about his death is that it could have been avoided. In 1977 he was diagnosed with skin cancer but due to his just mentioned strong Rasta beliefs his religious objections led him to refuse to have a toe amputated.  It is that operation that could have saved his life.

The Reason Marley Smoked Weed?

While iconic images of Bob Marley smoking a spliff abound the reasons behind him smoking ganja were not for reasons that many people think.

Marley smoked weed because he practiced the Rastafarian religion. In this religion, ganja is known as the holy sacrament. One aspect of Rastafarianism which is very often misrepresented relates to the ritual use of marijuana.

Those who are committed to the faith should not and do not smoke weed for recreational purposes. Rather it is reserved for religious and medicinal purposes. Indeed, some Rastas do not use ganja at all. Those that do use it do so to aid meditation and even to help themselves achieve greater mystical insight into the nature of the universe.

It should also be noted that Marley converted from Christianity to Rastafarianism in the mid-1960s. This was well before he achieved any international acclaim or fame as a reggae musician. But he was extremely proud of his culture and religion. As his musical fame grew he made a stand to promote both.

Despite what many may feel Marley did not use cannabis recreationally and he never viewed use casually. His stance was that weed was a holy rite, much the same as Native American Indians view peyote in ceremonial use, or how Catholics view Holy Communion.

Marley, like his brother and sister Rastafarians, viewed himself as a holy person and had a strong belief that the smoking of weed opened up a spiritual door. It was this insight and gift that allowed him to become the poet and musician loved by so many.

Marley’s Weed Legacy Lives on in Today’s Commercial World

Bob Marley had very little interest in money or wealth. Indeed, although he knew he was dying he did not even leave a will. This led to years of wrangling between family members however in 2016 the official Marley Natural Brand was released.

It has been developed by his estate in conjunction with Privateer Holdings which is a private equity firm based in Seattle, Washington. Their business is to develop cannabis industry brands.

The mission of Marley Natural is stated as offering a premium product line that has been crafted with awareness, authenticity, and genuine respect for nature’s nourishing benefits.

The products and accessories offered have all been responsibly sourced and are integrity driven. Each of the offerings is meant to be a direct reflection of the Marley ethos that integrates nature’s goodness with a belief in the positive potential of ganja.

While we will never know whether this would have been Bob Marley’s direction and desire it is certainly that of his estate.

One Initiative That Must be Seen as Positive

Before looking at some of the products and accessories that Marley Natural offers, there is one positive initiative that should be highlighted. That is their trademarked ‘Rise Up’ program.

Rise Up aims to empower entrepreneurial people around the globe in order to make meaningful strides toward a brighter future.

Rise Up already funds a variety of projects to support and give commitment to positive social change, and environmental sustainability. It also backs the lifting up of communities that have been harmed by social injustices due to cannabis prohibition.

As agents for change, the trustees of Marley Natural claim to honor Bob Marley’s legacy by adding his beliefs to their voices regarding open cannabis conversation. The initial intention is first and foremost focused on giving back to Jamaica. From there the intention is to extend support nationally as well as globally as the brand continues to grow.

Marley Natural Products and Accessories

Without getting into everything that Marley Natural offers, here are some highlights for those interested in purchasing what is on offer.

Herb – Marley Natural – Core

Ganja is available in four core categories. These are:

Marley Green – Hybrid: This weed has been selected for a balance of Sativa’s cerebral effects in combination with the physical relaxation of indica.

Marley Gold – Sativa: Chosen to deliver uplifting and energetic effects. Smoking Marley Gold will give the user a more cerebral experience and is ideal for daytime use.

Marley Red – CBD Rich:  These are strains sourced for their analgesic, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are relatively low in THC levels.

Marley Black – Indica: Designed for anyone who is seeking a more physical and full-body experience. This smoke is deeply relaxing and soothing.

Also available are whole flower weed, pre-rolled spliffs (boxed in 3s), and Studio strains that are meant to mimic the joints Marley smoked while in the studio. You can also avail yourself of quality vape cartridges.

Accessories

The range of Marley Natural accessories is slated as fostering awareness, authenticity, and genuine respect for nature. Their line of premium smoking accessories features walnut and glass-constructed accessories along with smoked glass products.

This includes gear such as water pipes, tasters, ashtrays, and more. There are currently 21 sustainably sourced and stylish accessories available but you can be assured that the list will be expanded and added to on a regular basis.

Marley’s Belief in the Power of Weed Lives on

It is alleged that Marley smoked up to 18 spliffs each day, however, the reasons behind his huge consumption are still blurred for many.

It is clear that he was a deeply religious man and felt that ganja opened spiritual doors to allow him to write and perform with such conviction and belief.

The man is a legend in his own right and for the many tracks he has left for millions to enjoy he surely must be roundly applauded for that.

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