- By ALASDAIR GLENNIEPUBLISHED: 03:33, 20 November 2014 | UPDATED: 08:34, 20 November 2014
BBC branded irresponsible over Marley cannabis company story:
Critics accuse corporation of celebrating drugs culture after light-hearted and uncritical report
* Family of late singer Bob Marley have launched a high-end cannabis brand
* BBC accused of celebrating drugs culture in its news reports about launch
* Critics say artist’s fame will encourage young people to abuse the drug
The BBC has been accused of celebrating drugs culture in its news reports about the launch of a Bob Marley cannabis company.
The heirs of the Jamaican reggae singer have sparked outrage by launching what they describe as the ‘world’s first global cannabis brand’.
Critics say the artist’s fame and image will only encourage young people to abuse the drug.
Marijuana king: The BBC has been accused of celebrating drugs culture in its news reports about the launch of a Bob Marley cannabis company
They also point out that the weed he smoked in the 1960s and 70s was much safer than modern skunk.
But instead of questioning the move in its news reports, the corporation aired a light-hearted, uncritical report that even its own reporter jokingly described as a ‘puff piece’.
David Raynes, of the National Drugs Prevention Alliance, said the BBC’s handing of the topic was irresponsible.
‘As a public service broadcaster it has a duty to be fair and balanced,’ he said. ‘This is not a straightforward issue and they should have presented both sides of the story.
'People will be harmed because of the Marley cannabis brand.
‘Some young people may be permanently damaged.
' And some may be encouraged to take the drug because of this irresponsible reporting.’
Partnership: Rita Marley, the late singer's wife, is said to have initiated Marley Natural by contacting private equity firm Privateer Holdings and suggesting a partnership
Couple: Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley and his wife Rita Marley on July 26, 1978
Radio 4’s Today programme devoted five minutes to the news of the Marley business venture yesterday, filling the segment with reggae music and clips of the singer’s children advocating cannabis use.
Business reporter Simon Jack interviewed Brendan Kennedy, the American investor who has paired up with the Marley estate to sell strains of marijuana, weed-infused lotions, creams and accessories.
Under the brand name Marley Natural, the products will initially be sold in American states that have legalised cannabis use. Marley, who died of cancer in May 1981, embraced cannabis as part of his Rastafarian faith and supported legalisation.
A BBC spokesman said: ‘Today has an intelligent adult audience who would appreciate that this was a light-hearted business item, which did not relate to the supply of cannabis inside the UK. It was made clear that cannabis is illegal in the UK.’ "
