Voters in Brown County could soon voice their opinion on whether marijuana should be legal.
The Brown County Executive Committee is having its lawyer write language for an advisory referendum, but nothing is set in stone just yet.
The full brown county board will discuss this referendum after it narrowly passed a committee vote three-to-two.
Two board members abstained saying this issue isn't up to county supervisors.
The referendum would ask voters if they support or oppose full legalization as well as medical legalization.
Dozens of supporters of the measure packed the board room.
Supporters say use is a personal choice and is safer than legal alternatives.
Others argued they, or someone they love, need marijuana to fight sickness.
Katie Mommaerts says CBD oil unlike other medications reacts well in her system without complications.
CBD oil is made from marijuana, but doesn't contain THC, which creates the high feeling in recreational users.
“It didn't affect my mental ability at all, and so i was able to get up and clean the house for once. I hadn't been able to do that in such a long time, when i was incredibly ill. So it just helps me to be me,” said Memmaerts.
Opponents of putting the referendum on the ballot say they have concerns over the drug's safety.
Those abstaining said it's not an issue for the county board, but is instead something for lawmakers in Madison to deal with.
Even if this goes on the ballot, it would only mean brown county supports or opposes the legalization of marijuana, either fully or medically.
This wouldn't change the state law that bans marijuana.
The full county board is scheduled to debate the issue next Wednesday.
