Messaging app Snapchat has been criticised for introducing a selfie filter that morphs users' faces into that of late singer Bob Marley on National Weed Day.

The social media firm has been accused of reducing the reggae icon to his association with cannabis and also of encouraging users of other ethnicities to "black up".

April 20 is unofficially celebrated in cannabis culture as a day to smoke weed.

It is known as 420, with those celebrating the date often smoking at 4:20pm.

Snapchat responded to say the lens was "created in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate and gives people a new way to share their appreciation for Bob Marley and his music".

Social media users had mixed reactions to the filter: