A community-sourced exhibit examines the evolution of cannabis in California from the 1970s through legalization.
It’s been ten years since recreational cannabis became legal in California, but the relationship between ganja and the Golden State goes back much, much farther than a mere decade. From the prolific Brownie Mary, who risked her freedom to bring comfort to AIDS patients in San Francisco in the 1970s, to the world-famous Emerald Triangle growing region in Norcal, the roots of California and cannabis are beautifully, and irreversibly, intertwined in endless ways.
Through personal stories, photos, donated and borrowed items, and more, an exciting new exhibit at the Mendocino County Museum highlights the important role that cannabis played in California from the 1970s all the way through legalization in 2016.
Through personal takes from people involved in all aspects of cannabis, “Behind the Redwood Curtain” examines the plant’s vast legacy throughout the state. “Cannabis has been legal for 10 years. We now have an opportunity to look back at this unique history with fresh eyes,” Karen Mattson, administrator at the Mendocino County Museum, shares with HighWays Travel.
The installation opens on Saturday, October 10, and will be on view through Friday, November 28. After that, parts of the exhibit will travel to cultural institutions across the country.
In this article:
🖼️ The origins of the exhibit
🖼️ The experience
🖼️ Key dates
🖼️ The team behind the scenes
🖼️ What to do nearby
🖼️ Details at a glance
🖼️ What to know about cannabis in California
The Origins of the Exhibit
Community is at the heart of cannabis, and the exhibit directly reflects that dynamic. To source the items and stories on display, organizers reached out to the public with an enthusiastic call for submissions—and the public showed up with personal histories, donations, and items for loan. “This exhibit has been made possible by the support and generosity of the community and through the personal connections of our partners,” says Mattson.
“Behind the Redwood Curtain” includes more than 20 contributed personal stories, giving visitors a unique opportunity to understand the people who truly drive the culture.
Shares Mattson, “This exhibit is a step forward in advancing the conversation, and we hope to get feedback and suggestions so that we can continue to improve our ability to steward this unique history.”
The Experience
For “Behind the Redwood Curtain,” the Mendocino County Museum’s West Gallery becomes an immersive experience filled with written and visual stories. Throughout the space, QR codes offer access to additional materials, films, and documentaries that aren’t on the show floor.
Expect engaging elements like an interactive hoop house, photographs and art from the community, and a display of special collections from the Cannabis Counterculture Museum and Archive.
The exhibit takes about 45 minutes to an hour to tour; give yourself about three hours to explore the whole museum.
Key Dates
Visitors can experience the exhibit anytime during the museum’s opening hours from Saturday, October 10 through Friday, November 28. In addition, a slew of special programming is on the schedule.
Saturday, October 10: Opening Reception: The exhibit opens with a gathering from 5-7 p.m. featuring a musical performance by the Raging Grannies of Mendocino County.
Thursday, October 15: Bit & Bite Lunch Hour Program: Come by for a screening of Reefer Madness starting at 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 12: Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Get the VIP treatment with a behind-the-scenes tour led by exhibit curator Lindsey Dick. The tour starts at 2 p.m.
Saturday, November 14: Richard Spills the Tea: From 3-5 p.m., Richard Jergenson, the historian behind the Cannabis Counterculture Museum and Archive, will discuss the past and future of cannabis in Mendocino County.
Friday, November 28: Closing Reception: Gather together for one last look at the exhibit before it travels to its next stop.
The Team Behind the Scenes
This exhibit is a true testament to the power of collaboration, as several groups came together to make it happen.
- The Mendocino County Museum is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, educating, and inspiring awareness of the peoples, communities, and history of Mendocino County.
- The Cannabis Counterculture Museum and Archive is a collection of magazines, art, books, and artifacts of all kinds documenting the cannabis counterculture in California.
- HappyDay Farms is a family farm in the hills of Northern Mendocino County that grows seasonal food, flowers, and small-batch sungrown cannabis.
- The non-profit organization Exhibit Envoy provides institutions with diverse and meaningful traveling exhibits to strengthen their communities.
What to Do Nearby
When you want the inside scoop on the best places in town, you ask a local. That’s why we tapped Mattson for her expert insights about what to do and where to go in the area. Here’s what she recommends.
- The Willits Center for the Arts hosts gallery shows, cultural events, and more.
- The Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House in Ukiah is currently exhibiting “Deep Valley, People Places, Memory.”
- Fort Bragg is only a 45-minute trip away and offers unique cultural and historic attractions alongside renowned coastal scenery.
- Catch an evening production at the Willits Community Theatre and Performing Arts Center.
Exhibit Details at a Glance
“Behind the Redwood Curtain“
📍 Mendocino County Museum, 400 E. Commercial St. Willits, CA
🗓️ Saturday, October 10 through Friday, November 28, 2026
⏰ Wed-Sat, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. In October, the museum is also open Sun, 12-4 p.m.
☎️ (707) 234-6365
🔗 mendocinocounty.gov/museum
💵 Donation-based admission
♿ Wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant
🇪🇸 All signs and materials are available in English and Spanish.
What to Know About Cannabis in California
California has one of the country’s most established cannabis markets—the state legalized medical cannabis in 1996 and adult-use cannabis in 2016. But legal doesn’t mean you can consume anywhere you want. Here are the basics travelers should know:
- You must be 21 or older to purchase recreational cannabis. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, as licensed retailers are required to verify your age.
- Public consumption is generally prohibited, including in restaurants, in bars, on sidewalks, and around other public spaces. Smoking cannabis is also prohibited anywhere California law prohibits smoking tobacco.
- Private property isn’t automatically cannabis-friendly. Hotels, vacation rentals, and property owners can choose to prohibit cannabis use, so check the rules before lighting up or vaping.
- Expect taxes at checkout. As of September 2026, California’s cannabis excise tax is 15%, and purchases can also be subject to sales and local taxes.
- Know the legal limits. Adults 21+ can possess up to 28.5 grams of cannabis flower and up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis.
- Don’t drive under the influence. It’s illegal to drive while impaired by cannabis. Open cannabis containers are also prohibited in the passenger area; cannabis in a vehicle needs to be in a sealed container or package. Better yet, store it in the trunk while you’re en route.
- Don’t take your purchase across state lines. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, so even if you’re traveling between two states where cannabis is legal, taking it across state lines is prohibited.
- Federal land is different. Even though you’re physically in California, possessing or consuming cannabis on federal property—including in national parks—is prohibited under federal law.
Have you experienced “Behind the Redwood Curtain”? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
