Marijuana is a highly debated topic, so to speak. Some call it a harmless relaxant; others deride it as a gateway to harder drugs. To immerse yourself in the subject further—we mean in the academic sense, of course—consider dropping in at the exhibition “Altered State: Marijuana in California” at the Oakland Museum of California in a town called, well, Oakland. An unusual exhibition, it attempts to place the plant in perspective. It’s also an attempt to create a forum for debate. As well as an attempt to assimilate the current and past cultural impact of weed, by encouraging conversation, etc, etc… Concludes on September 25; www.museumca.org