Bob Marley is going to be the face of the world's first international cannabis brand.

The late reggae legend's family have struck a deal with private equity firm Privateer Holdings to launch Marley Natural, a new company that will offer ''heirloom Jamaican cannabis strains'' inspired by the marijuana smoked by the 'No Woman, No Cry' singer.

Cedella Marley - Bob's daughter - insists the business is inspired by her father's belief the herbal drug was ''spiritual'' and could ''deepen our reflection''.

Speaking about the business, said: ''My dad would be so happy to see people understanding the healing power of the herb. He viewed the herb as something spiritual that could awaken our well-being, deepen our reflection, connect us to nature and liberate our creativity ... It is an authentic way to honour his legacy by adding his voice to the conversation about cannabis and helping end the social harms caused by prohibition.''

Brendan Kennedy - chief executive of Privateer Holdings, which specialises in cannabis related investments - said: ''There is probably no better known cultural icon related to cannabis than Bob Marley. He called cannabis the herb and he said the herb is the healing of the nation. And he wasn't talking about a country, he was talking about mankind.''

Marley Natural - which will be based in New York City - will start shipping its products to cities and countries where marijuana is now legal from next year, however, its cannabis will be grown and distributed locally in those places in order to adhere to local regulations on the drug.

As well as ganja in its natural form, the company will also sell creams, accessories and lotions inspired by weed and Marley the man.

The Jamaican musician - who died in 1981 from cancer at the age of 36 - was a Rastafarian and therefore believed smoking cannabis was honouring God's will, according to the Biblical passage Psalms 104:14.

The holy text states: ''He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man.''