MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — The Mountlake Terrace City Council on July 16 passed an ordinance that will extend the city’s suspension on medical marijuana for another six months.
The council first adopted the moratorium April 4, 2011, just days before the state Legislature passed a bill allowing new activities involving medical marijuana. It has been renewed every six months since.
The bill was partially vetoed by Gov. Christine Gregoire, but left provisions for collective gardening, which Mountlake Terrace’s ordinance suspends.
State law for collective gardens allows up to 10 qualifying patients to create and participate in a garden with no more than 15 plants, producing no more than 24 ounces per patient or a total of 72 ounces.
The ordinance memorandum lists crime, controversy and litigation among “reasons that some cities … (temporarily suspend) collective gardens.”
Washington Initiative 502 – which would amend state law to regulate and tax marijuana for those older than 21 – is scheduled for a statewide vote in November.
If the initiative passes, the council might need to revisit marijuana regulations next year.
Washington is one of 17 states that allow the use of medical marijuana, though federal law prohibits any type of use.
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