Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae.



Cannabis is widely accepted as originating from Central Asia, with some researchers also including the upper regions of South Asia in its origin.



While the exact number of species within the genus cannabis is disputed, there are two subspecies of the plant that are recognized – Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica.



Cannabis is produced in almost all countries in the world as it has thrived in a variety of areas and climates.



Cannabis plants contain 70 unique compounds, collectively known as phytocannabinoids. The main psychoactive substance is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which provides the psychoactive effects of cannabis and provides a high.



Cannabidiol or CBD is also a naturally-occurring cannabinoid constituent of cannabis. It is a chemical in the marijuana plant often used for medicinal purposes, and does not have the intoxicating effects like those caused by THC.



As CBD is believed to relieve or ease symptoms related to health problems, CBD-infused products such as beer, iced tea, jelly beans and ice cream are flooding the market. The CBD industry is expected to be a $20 billion industry by 2022.



Cannabis has now been legalized for medical and recreational purpose in some countries.



Uruguay and Canada are the only two countries that have fully legalized the consumption and sale of recreational cannabis nationwide.



Every year, the United Nation prepares a report about drug use around the world, known as the World Drug Report. Since cannabis is legal in very few countries and therefore growing it is illegal, it is hard to determine exactly how much cannabis is produced.



Here is the list of the top ten cannabis producing countries, based on data compiled by the UN.