In an official statement issued by the athlete's management team on his behalf, Bolt, while emphatically denying making the remark, apologised if any comments made were taken out of context.

"I want to apologise to the Jamaican people if at any time it may have come across that all young people roll a joint," the release from his manager, Norman Peart, quoted Bolt as saying.

"It was never my intention to offend anyone."

The athlete, who had addressed journalists at the Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships last week, in the same vein encouraged all promising athletes to avoid any sort of drug use.

"I would also like to urge the upcoming stars to stay away from any kind of drugs; it will be of no value to you or the sport you participate in," Bolt said.

Admitted to using it

In the report carried by German newspaper, Bild, Bolt admitted to using the drug as a kid, but insists he has "not been anywhere near the substance since".

Bolt described the situation as "unfortunate".

While attending Champs, he was being interviewed by a number of overseas journalists and was asked about United States swimmer, Michael Phelps, who was recently at the centre of a controversy when photographs surfaced showing him holding a marijuana pipe at a party.

The statement added that "although he (Bolt) has admitted to trying it (marijuana) at a tender age, he has never used the substance again".

The statement went on to say that Bolt, who made an impact at the National Champs at age 13, has never used the substance while competing as an athlete.

Bolt is scheduled to make his first international appearance at the May 2 Jamaica International Invitational meet in St andrew.