Bob Marley’s Estate Seeks $11.3 Million in Damages Over Unpaid Royalties from Cannabis Venture
The estate of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley is taking legal action against Tilray, a leading cannabis company, seeking $11.3 million in damages over unpaid royalties from their joint cannabis venture, Marley Natural. Marley, who passed away in 1981 at the age of 36, has become one of the highest-earning dead celebrities in recent years, with his estate generating millions through licensing agreements for various products, including audio equipment, coffee, fragrances, and cannabis.
In 2014, Marley’s family-run estate launched Marley Natural, a cannabis brand developed in partnership with Privateer Holdings. The brand offered a range of cannabis-infused products, including lotions, creams, and accessories. At the time of its launch, the estate’s daughter, Cedella Marley, expressed her father’s excitement about the venture, saying he would be happy to see people understanding the healing power of cannabis.
However, in 2026, Marley’s estate filed a lawsuit against Tilray, which acquired Privateer Holdings in 2019. The lawsuit alleges that Tilray failed to pay royalties owed to Marley’s estate for the use of his brand and intellectual property. According to a press release, the estate is seeking $11.3 million in damages.
Tilray’s CEO, Brendan Kennedy, had previously praised the partnership with Marley, saying it was a natural fit between the legendary musician and the cannabis industry. The combined company, Tilray and Aphria, operated under the Tilray name and had a market capitalization of nearly $8.2 billion at the time of the merger.
