Recreational cannabis use remains illegal in 40 US states, writes Calvin Hughes. But not all jurisdictions enforce prohibition with the same zeal. Some areas are more ruthless than others. With that in mind, here are the top 5 counties that have the highest rates of marijuana arrests, according to FBI data from 2016.

Medical marijuana patients in Georgia could soon be able to legally purchase cannabis for the first time since medicinal use was legalized in 2015. When Georgia lawmakers okayed medical marijuana four years ago, they didn't approve the sale or cultivation of cannabis in the state, which left many patients in a lurch, writes Calvin Hughes.

This week the Georgia General Assembly passed a bill that would create a system for patients to purchase medical marijuana in the state. The legislation is expected to be signed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp whenever it hits his desk, according to his spokesman.

Under the current system, medical marijuana is legal in Georgia, but patients have no legal methods available in the state to purchase it. Current state law prohibits the selling, buying, or transporting of cannabis. The bill passed by the Assembly, HB 324, would license private companies and universities to grow medical marijuana to be processed into low-THC cannabis oil.

Revelator Coffee Company began serving CBD oil-infused lattes in all four of its Birmingham locations on Monday, and has sold dozens of the drinks in the first two days.

The coffee shop charges $1 to add three drops of CBD oil to a drink. It's featured in the Golden Latte with Relyf CBD oil.

Cannabidiol, or CBD oil, which some people use as a treatment for physical ailments, is made from industrial hemp, which contains a tiny percentage of THC, the intoxicating substance found in marijuana.

CBD oil can also be derived from marijuana and the Alabama Legislature has allowed limited exceptions to the law against marijuana possession for the use of CBD oil.

A bill that would allow licensed companies to manufacture and sell medicinal cannabis oil was passed by the Georgia House of Representatives on Tuesday and is now headed to the state Senate for consideration. Under the bill, HB 324, a regulated system for growing, processing, and distributing cannabis oil would be established. Georgia’s medical marijuana program only permits the use of cannabis oil with no more than 5 percent THC by registered patients with one or more of 16 qualifying serious medical conditions.

The Georgia House on Tuesday approved a bill that would allow medical marijuana to be grown, manufactured and distributed in the state.

The bill passed on a 123-40 vote and will allow patients a legal way to obtain medical marijuana oil in the state, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

“These aren’t people who are seeking a recreational high. These aren’t people who are seeking to use illicit drugs,” said state Rep. Micah Gravley (R). “These are people who have tried and failed with opioids. These are people who want their children to suffer less seizures.”

A bill introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives would legalize the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana. Georgia has had a limited medical marijuana program since 2015. Under the program, patients with one or more qualifying medical conditions who register with the state may possess cannabis oil with less than 5 percent THC. But there are no provisions for growing, transporting, or selling cannabis legally. State Rep. Micah Gravley, a Republican and sponsor of the legislation, told local media that the law makes it difficult for patients to obtain their medicine.

The Georgia legislature is set to consider bills allowing for the sale and cultivation of medical marijuana based on a study committee's recommendation.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that a joint House and Senate committee last week recommended lawmakers should consider providing 10 grow licenses, 10 manufacturing licenses and an "adequate number" of dispensing licenses. Lawmakers' next legislative session will begin in January.

Current state law allows individuals with 16 specific conditions to possess low potency marijuana oil, but marijuana remains illegal to grow, buy, sell and transport.

That has created a legal conundrum where about 6,000 Georgia patients are registered to legally possess the drug but can't legally obtain it.

Despite many states legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, the Drug Enforcement Administration -- an agency under the Justice Department -- still considers it a Schedule 1 drug. That puts it on the same list as heroin, LSD and ecstasy.

A group of patients, families and activists are now appealing a decision in a lawsuit against the Justice Department in a push to get marijuana off that list. They hope it will pave the way for marijuana legalization across the country.