A new medical marijuana dispensary expected to open in late March will offer a little more for the brain than just a certain puffable plant.

The Station, to be located at what was once a police headquarters at 1957 Pacific Avenue in the city’s South Wrigley neighborhood, will be painted by local artist David Early to honor the building’s former occupants. Early’s floor-to-ceiling 1950s-themed mural will depict police officers chatting at what looks like Union Station, while patrons wait on wooden benches for their train.

The ironic choice of location to open a dispensary was not lost on Early.

“Not only is this is the largest single oil painting of my career, it’s been quite the challenge trying to incorporate two such diverse themes: the historic relevance of the building, plus the modern use of cannabis for alternative medical practices,” Early said in a statement.

The officers in the 20-foot by 30-foot mural “bask in a kaleidoscopic rainbow spotlight from rays of sun streaming in from the faux windows above them, signifying freedom. There’s even a bird or two shown flying out the windows, symbolizing jailbirds set free,” stated the release.

Next, Early will begin painting a mural on the building’s exterior.

“I liken the legalization of medical marijuana to the end of prohibition: this is the way of the future,” Early stated. “Considering this location is surrounded by liquor stores, this speaks volumes.”

Early is no stranger to creating custom works for local businesses as well as original paintings for collectors worldwide. A regular participant of the Long Beach Open Studio Tour, he also teaches painting to diverse groups of physically disabled outpatients at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey.

Shattered, 2015, Oil on Linen. Photo from David Early. 

Learn more about David Early’s work here and his work for local establishments here.

The Station dispensary is located at 1957 Pacific Avenue.