The number of species within the genus is disputed. Three species may be recognized: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.

 Unlike the more commonly known tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana - a cultivar specifically bred for recreational and psychoactive use - cannabidiol (CBD) is usually extracted from Hemp and is not 'psychoactive' in the same way. 

In other words, cannabidiol (CBD) won't make you 'high'

CBD and you

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system.

The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes including memory, mood, pain sensation, appetite and sleep.

CBD and the endocannabinoid system

After absorption, the CBD finds its way into your bloodstream, where it can travel around the body to interact with cannabinoid receptors, such as CB1 and CB2, as well as non-cannabinoid receptors, such as the vanilloid receptor TRPV-1 and the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A.