By David Pan/Lynnwood Today editor

The Lynnwood City Council unanimously adopted two ordinances this week that established moratoriums on marijuana businesses and medical cannibus collective gardens.

The first ordinance adopted a moratorium on the acceptance and filing of applications for and licensing, establishment, location, operation, maintenance and continuation of marijuana businesses and marijuana operations under Initiative 502. The initiative, which was passed in November 2012, legalized small amount of marijuana for most adults.

“The coming ambiguity of this new process is catching many cities off-guard,” said City Council Vice-President Sid Roberts. “We really want to do it right.”

The city council also passed a similiar ordinance that adopted a moratorium on medical cannibus collective gardens. Councilmember Benjamin Goodwin noted that Kent adopted a total ban on collective gardens, while Seattle has other regulations. Both are being challenged in court, he said.

“I think a moratorium in this manner is a good idea for us to also see how the courts determine those situations so that we can act accordingly and get ourselves in a position to help our citizens in the city as well,” Goodwin said.

Both ordinances passes by 5-0 votes. Councilmembers M.Christopher Boyer and Kerri Lonergan-Dreke had excused absences for the June 24 meeting.

The city council also set July 29 as the date for the public hearing on these issues. The moratoriums went into effective immediately and last for six months.