Port Orchard's moratoriums on medical marijuana gardens and dispensaries expire Aug. 12.

But the City Council is considering an ordinance that would allow those operations to be licensed, with a significant caveat. The council will consider the measure on Tuesday. It would include a clause that would say the city would not issue licenses for "any activity that is known to violate local, state and /or federal law."

In 2011, the Legislature passed a bill updating Washington's rules for medical marijuana. Gov. Chris Gregoire vetoed significant portions of the bill, but the law does provide for collective medical marijuana gardens.

Port Orchard, like other Washington cities, is wrestling with how to address the conflict between state and federal law, which prohibits marijuana use under any circumstances.

Tacoma recently backed off from zoning provisions for gardens and dispensaries recommended by its planning commission over concerns about running afoul of federal laws.

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Information from The Kitsap Sun