Howard Marks, the author of the bestselling autobiography Mr Nice, has died aged 70 after a battle with bowel cancer.
The drug smuggler-turned-author revealed that he had been diagnosed with inoperable bowel cancer in January 2015.
Speaking about his diagnosis last year, he said he had no regrets.
"I've come to terms with it in my own way - which for me was about learning how to cry," he explained.
"It's impossible to regret any part of my life when I feel happy and I am happy now, so I don't have any regrets and have not had any for a very long time."
Marks, who was born in Bridgend, Wales, released his autobiography Mr Nice in 1996, which detailed his years as an international cannabis smuggler.
He was imprisoned in 1988 after being caught by the American Drug Enforcement Agency and was sentenced to 25 years at one of America's toughest prisons, Terre Haute Indiana.
Marks was released on parole in 1995 after serving seven years, and went on to become a prominent campaigner for the legalisation of cannabis and toured a comedy show.
His book was adapted into a film of the same name in 2010, in which fellow Welshman Rhys Ifans played Marks.
Marks is survived by four children.
Tributes to the late writer have poured in on Twitter.
RIP Mr Nice Howard Marks ,we've met him several times over the years , top fella will be sadly missed condolences to his family and friends
— imelda mounfield (@imeldamounfield) April 11, 2016
Sorry to hear of the death of Mr Nice. I saw him speak as an undergrad in Manchester - a real rebel & raconteur. pic.twitter.com/4y4gqX4gLH
— Emmet McDonoughBrown (@EmmetMcDB) April 10, 2016
A lovely guy who lived life to the full. Had some fun over years with him too. Adios Mr Nice. https://t.co/99rZZaR4un
— Kevin Williamson (@williamsonkev) April 11, 2016
RIP Howard Marks, we had the pleasure of bumping into him a few times on our travels, top fella. Another legend leaves us #mrnice A x
— Killaflaw (@Killaflaw) April 11, 2016
Howard Marks was a guest on this show a few years ago and was, as many will concur, a lovely, funny, warm-hearted gent. He will be missed x
— Shaun Keaveny (@shaunwkeaveny) April 11, 2016
RIP Howard Marks
— Lauren Laverne (@laurenlaverne) April 11, 2016
Morning all. Very sad news that our mate and hero Howard Marks has died. An hilarious, beautiful and anarchic man who will be much missed X
— Rob da Bank (@RobdaBank) April 11, 2016
Very very sad to hear the news about Howard Marks. Lucky enough to interview him a few times and never a sharper funnier mind did I meet X
— edith bowman (@edibow) April 11, 2016
Ah Boys. RIP Howard Marks.
— Rubber Bandits (@Rubberbandits) April 10, 2016
A sad day. Howard Marks has died. What a story, what a life. Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night x x pic.twitter.com/FXvUDn3vIB
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) April 10, 2016
