A Rock County Board Member, Yuri Rashkin, wants to know where voters stand on legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana use in Wisconsin.

Rashkin will present the referendum to the county chair as a “proposal for resolution” on Thursday, June 14th. After he proposes it, the referendum will need to be approved by the Rock County Boards and its committees by August 28th to be put the November ballot.

Rashkin says putting “should cannabis be legalized and taxed like alcohol to go towards health-care infrastructure and education” on the ballot in November would have no additional cost because it would just be a “yes” or “no” answer.

“I think this is an issue that is important to people in Rock County…. It’s a mainstream problem and we need to take the next step,” Rashkin said.

Raskin’s proposal comes after decisions made by Illinois and Michigan legislatures that made strides in deregulating marijuana.

“I’m hoping this advisory referendum will provide motivation for lawmakers to take action on something that is a relevant issue for the people,” Rashkin said.

Raskin said Wisconsin would be at a “competitive disadvantage” if neighboring states continue to deregulate marijuana.