The City Council Monday adopted interim zoning regulations for medical marijuana “collective gardens” to ensure that such gardens, now allowed by state law, don’t harm residential neighborhoods.

The zoning ordinance – which only allows the gardens in areas zoned light industrial, general commercial and medical institution and prohibits them within 1,000 feet of schools and churches – gives the city six months to gather public input and consider whether any city codes need to be changed.

The ordinance calls for a public hearing regarding the zoning regulations by July 2. Staff will now develop permanent regulations for the council’s approval.

State law has allowed medical marijuana “collective gardens” for qualifying patients since last year. The drug has been found to alleviate pain for people undergoing cancer treatment. However, federal law still prohibits any cultivation or distribution of pot, and statewide regulations regarding the cultivation and distribution of medical marijuana are still unclear.

Bellevue’s interim zoning ordinance states that it is intended to prevent “new uses that are incompatible with nearby existing land uses and lead to erosion of community character and harmony.”

Several council members expressed support for the interim zoning regulations as a way to keep marijuana collective gardens from emerging in residential neighborhoods before adequate permanent municipal rules are in place.