The first-ever exhibition at a major metropolitan museum to focus on marijuana in California today opens April 16 and runs through September 25, 2016 at the Oakland Museum of California. Altered State: Marijuana in California, sponsored in part by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board, is part of the statewide discussions leading up to the November election, when a legalization voter initiative is expected to be on the state ballot.

“We hope this exhibit encourages people to think critically about marijuana, the research available on it, and how it is presented in the media,” said Associate Curator of Natural Sciences Sarah Seiter. “Our goal is that this exhibition will help people have informed conversations with their families and friends about what type of marijuana policy is right for California.” The museum is located at 1000 Oak Street, at 10th Street, in Oakland, one block from the Lake Merritt BART station and not far from the historic Oaksterdam District that Oaksterdam University and launched the 2010 legalization initiative was on the state ballot, Prop 19.