In Washington the possession of up to 28 grams of cannabis is legal for those 21 and older, due to the passage of Initiative 502 in 2012. However, the possession of just 50% more than this - anything over 40 grams - is a class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Shockingly, this is the same charge as many heinous crimes such as Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040), Rape of a Child in the Third Degree (RCW 9a.44.079) and Reckless Burning in the First Degree (RCW 9A.48.040). The possession threshold for a felony is actually harsher than 32 other states.

We are asking lawmakers in the state to pass legislation that would amend the law in order to remove the potential of a felony charge for the personal possession of cannabis; signing this petition will send an e-mail to every member of Washington's Legislature, as well as Governor Jay Inslee, urging them to do just that.

If a substance is legal, no one should receive a felony conviction for possessing it.