Berrin Noorata, spokesperson for the Marley Natural brand of cannabis products, said the company which recently expanded its footprint in the US is also considering Jamaica for one of its outlets.

However, Noorata said the state of legislation in the island will not enable this at the current time.

First launched in California, Marley Natural started selling its cannabis products in Oregon on August 24.

The brand is described in company material as including “all-natural, sun-grown premium cannabis products, as well as smoking and other lifestyle accessories” which are now available at all Serra and Nectar dispensaries in the Portland metro area and Eugene in Oregon.

Noorata declined to share start-up costs. However, explaining that the line was backed by “the Bob Marley estate and members of the family like Rita Marley and Cedella Marley”, he said Jamaica was not far from their minds.

“It is extremely important to us to bring Marley Natural to Jamaica. We have spent a lot of time on the island developing relationships with the Jamaican people, including the ganja-growing community. We want to work with Jamaican farmers to bring Marley Natural flower and oil to the island in a way that respects Jamaican culture and contributes positively to Jamaica’s ganja growers.”

Noorata stated, “At this time, Marley Natural ganja is not grown in Jamaica but we look forward pursuing this when laws and regulations make it more feasible to do so.”

Locally, Jamaican laws allow the growth and sale of cannabis for medicinal purposes only. Growers and producers must also be licensed.

The Marley Natural product lines include four categories of cannabis flower, pre-rolls and oil; body care products infused “with the moisturising power of cold-pressed hemp seed oil and blended with other natural Jamaican botanicals”; and a collection of smoking accessories made, the company said from sustainably grown American Black Walnut wood and heat-resistant, hand-blown glass.

The brand launched in Los Angeles on February 6, 2016 — Bob’s 71st birthday. In addition to Oregon, Marley Natural cannabis is currently available in dispensaries across northern and southern California, the company said.

Lifestyle accessories and body care products are available nationwide at specialty retailers, as well as online at www.MarleyNaturalShop.com.

By the end of 2016, Marley Natural cannabis products will also be available in Washington, it was noted.

Noorata, who answered queries from the Jamaica Observer over the origin of the cannabis used said the herb itself was not grown in Jamaica. However, the company has made use of other island botanicals for its product combinations.

“Marley Natural cannabis flower, pre-rolls and oil are hand-selected from local farms run by experienced growers committed to sustainable growing practices,” the Oregon release stated.

“Marley Green features hybrid strains recommended for people beginning their journey with Marley Natural. Marley Gold features sativa strains that offer energetic, uplifting effects. Marley Red features CBD-rich strains that combine CBD and THC in a beneficial ratio. Marley Black features indica strains recommended for connoisseurs seeking a more physical, full-body experience. Marley Black strains are high in THC and appropriate for night-time use,” the company said.

The Marley Natural body care line offers naturally-derived formulas that blend the moisturising power of hemp seed oil with Jamaican botanicals (including ginger, lemongrass, turmeric, and cerasse). All formulas contain cold-pressed hemp seed oil rich in essential fatty acids, Omega-3s and Omega-6s.

“All formulas are paraben, sulfate and cruelty free,” the company said.

The hemp seed body care products include an essential oil blend, body lotion, body wash, body salve, hand cream, bar soap and a lip balm.

Cedella Marley, Bob’s daughter was quoted as saying, “We are fortunate to be living during a promising time of positive change, especially with regard to cannabis and how people understand it. My father would be so happy to see so many people appreciating the natural, healing power of the herb.”

The company cited several social ventures under its Rise Up campaign which were intended to advance benefits received by communities, both the states in which it operates and in Jamaica to benefit from sale of the herb.