An initiative signature drive launched this week in Washington state is the first in the nation to distribute petition forms entirely via the Internet--and state officials would set a precedent if they accept the petitions.

The initiative, sponsored by the Reasonable People's Campaign, would change state law so people found guilty of possession (as opposed to manufacture or sale) of any illegal drug could be sentenced to a treatment program but not prison. Possession of less than 40 grams (1.4 ounces) of marijuana would be a minor infraction punishable only by a fine.

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