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The petition drive to legalize marijuana in Washington kicks off this weekend when volunteers load up their clipboards and fan out to grocery stores, malls, public events and the downtown Spokane Library to gather at least 241,153 valid signatures.

Petition sheets for Initiative 1149 will be distributed Friday night, but are not expected to arrive in Spokane until Saturday, says David Bilsland, a local coordinator for Sensible Washington.

Bilsland says so far there are 25 volunteer signature gatherers in Spokane.

The petitions are due back at the Secretary of State’s office by July 8. If backers collect enough valid signatures, the initiative will be on the November ballot.

There is more information at sensiblewashinton.org., or at the Sensible Washington Facebook page. Locally, people can e-mail Bilsland [email protected].