Usain Bolt has apologised to the people of Jamaica for comments made at the weekend about marijuana use in his homeland.

Bolt, who claimed gold medals and world records for 100 metres, 200m and the 4x100m relay in Beijing, was quoted by German newspaper Bild on Sunday as saying: "When you're a child in Jamaica you learn how to roll a joint."

The article caused a storm in Jamaica, prompting the 22-year-old to issue an apology.

"I want to apologise to the Jamaican people if at any time it may have come across that all young people roll a joint," Bolt said in a statement issued through his manager Norman Peart.

"I would also like to urge the upcoming stars to stay away from any kind of drugs, as it is not of any value to them or the sport you participate in."