In searching the vehicle we found eight big joints of marijuana

Hugh Cutchen, Florida Highway Patrol

Bob Marley, who died of cancer in 1981, advocated smoking marijuana as part of his Rastafarian beliefs.

Ganja, as it is known in his native Jamaica, is considered a sacrament in the Rastafarian faith and Jamaican lawmakers are considering a move to decriminalise its use in small quantities.

Powerful smell

Florida Highway Patrol officers stopped the two brothers as they were driving in a Mercedes-Benz on an interstate highway near the state capital Tallahassee, police said.

"I walked up to the driver's door and smelled a strong odour of marijuana," said Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Hugh Cutchen.

"In searching the vehicle we found eight big joints of marijuana," he added.

One of the marijuana cigarettes was in a jacket owned by Julian Marley and the others were found under the passenger seat where Stephen Marley was sitting, Mr Cutchen said.

Fined

Stephen Marley, who admitted smoking marijuana, was charged with possession of the drug and drug equipment including rolling papers, police said. His brother Julian was charged with possession.

The amount of marijuana was less than 20 grams.

They were taken to the Gadsden County Jail in Quincy and after paying bail of $500 each they were released.

The brothers are both reggae musicians and were returning home from a concert in New Orleans when they were arrested.