Marijuana businesses, outdoor cultivation and cannabis events in San Bernardino are prohibited over the next 45 days per an interim ordinance unanimously approved by the City Council late Wednesday night.

The ordinance – adopted by the body after hearing 10 public speakers, some for, some against the temporary ban – buys the city time while it awaits a Dec. 28 court decision on the validity of Measure O, the voter-approved ballot measure requiring the city to allow dispensaries in certain areas around town.

By putting a moratorium in place before Jan. 1 – the date recreational sales can start and when new state regulations and licenses kick in – San Bernardino keeps local control of cannabis activities while city leaders review potential regulations provided Wednesday by a citizens advisory committee.

The temporary ban, which expires Feb. 3, could be extended another 10 months and 15 days if the council sees fit.

“This is an historical moment for our city,” Councilman Benito Barrios said from the dais. “This is an opportunity to take the city in the right direction. It’s such an important time to take responsibility. It’s come down to this moment.”

Opponents of the ordinance noted the prevalence of illegal cannabis operations in town and expressed frustration with how the city has dragged its feet on addressing the now-imminent marijuana “tsunami.”

At least two speakers noted the recent pot busts here, saying the city could have realized significant tax dollars from the operations had it already had regulations in place.

Tens of thousands of marijuana plants were seized by San Bernardino police in raids on Dec. 13 and Dec. 19.

The owner of the locations, Stephanie Smith, of Pacific Palisades, noted in a statement that voters in California and San Bernardino voted to legalize, regulate and tax cannabis. But, since awarding a since-appealed dispensary permit to Flesh Showgirls strip club earlier this year, the city has not awarded any permits for any type of marijuana activity.

James Penman, the city’s former attorney, represents a number of residents who are challenging the validity of Measure O in court. Penman, in favor of the temporary ban, explained Wednesday that the passage of Measure O stripped the City Council of the authority to deny dispensary permits to those in zones permitted to operate marijuana businesses.

Approved by 55 percent of voters, the measure created a marijuana monopoly in town while tying city leaders’ hands, Penman said.

Because the city itself is seeking a judge’s determination on the validity of Measure O, Penman said he has asked the court to dismiss his lawsuit, which contended the property value of parcels zoned for marijuana activities under Measure O would go up at the expense of those not zoned for such activities.

After hearing from the public Wednesday, council members discussed scheduling a workshop in January to review the court’s Measure O ruling and the recommended regulations provided by the citizens advisory committee.

The committee of mostly city commissioners met five times over the past two months and could be asked to continue meeting into the new year to broach other issues pertaining to marijuana uses.

More should be known on Dec. 28, city officials said, though a court ruling could be pushed back to early next year.