California exhibit aims for debate on provocative plant

It’s known as Mary Jane, ganja, Chronic and even the sticky icky and has been featured in countless movies, including one that warned of its dangers, “Reefer Madness.”

Now, marijuana is the subject of a contemporary history and science exhibit.

“Altered State: Marijuana in California,” a one-of-its-kind museum exhibition focusing on the topic, is open through the summer at the Oakland Museum of California.

Set against the backdrop of a California ballot measure this year asking voters to legalize marijuana’s recreational use, the exhibition features artwork, political documents and posters, and scientific and interactive displays meant to provoke questions and conversations about pot.

The exhibit comes when 35 states already have medical marijuana laws on the books and four states and Washington, D.C., have legalized weed for recreational use.