Cannabinoids are known to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors expressed in the nervous and immune systems mediating a wide range of effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. However, cannabinoids that bind are also psychoactive thereby limiting their clinical use. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant nonpsychotropic plant cannabinoid but has not been studied as extensively as .DELTA..sup.9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The present disclosure reports the immunosuppressive properties of CBD and demonstrates that CBD induces apoptosis in thymocytes and splenocytes and inhibits the proliferative responsiveness of T and B cells. This indicates that CB2 selective agonists, devoid of psychotropic effect, may serve as novel anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive agents.