By Dale Sky Jones, Angela Bacca & Etienne Fontan
With profound sorrow, Oaksterdam University announced the sudden and unexpected passing of its founder, Richard Lee, considered the leader who sparked the wave of global cannabis legalization in the 2010s. He passed away in Houston, Texas, on Sunday, July 27. He was 62 years old. A pioneer, visionary, and fearless advocate for justice, Richard reshaped cannabis policy, coined the term “cannabis industry,” and formalized the first quality training in the world.
Born in Houston, Texas, on October 7, 1962, Richard developed an early interest in music and worked at concert venues in his 20s. While working on lighting as a roadie for Aerosmith in 1990, he suffered a workplace injury that left him paraplegic. He discovered cannabis as a treatment for the resulting chronic nerve pain and quickly became a passionate advocate.
In 1992, he co-founded Legal Marijuana—The Hemp Store in Houston, one of the first hemp retail stores in the U.S. He also converted his conservative Christian parents to cannabis advocacy, beginning a lifelong mission of shifting hearts and minds.
In 1997, Richard moved to Oakland, California, for safe legal access to cannabis and began providing cannabis to the Oakland Cannabis Buyers’ Cooperative (OCBC). He co-founded the Hemp Research Company, conducting early research on sustainable cannabis horticulture. Working closely with OCBC founder Jeff Jones, they helped establish “Oaksterdam” as a safe cannabis district in downtown Oakland.
In 1999, Lee opened the Bulldog Coffeeshop. In 2003, he founded the Oakland Civil Liberties Alliance, which passed Oakland’s Measure Z, deprioritizing cannabis enforcement and laying the groundwork for city taxation and regulation. From 2005 to 2007, Lee published the Oaksterdam News, which had a circulation of over 100,000, further cementing the city’s position as the hub of the cannabis reform movement.
In 2007, Richard founded Oaksterdam University, the first cannabis college in the U.S. His revolutionary vision was to formalize cannabis education and destigmatize the plant. He believed in advertising and real estate – filling empty storefronts with cannabis-related businesses to revitalize his community. Lee opened his doors to media, regulators, and policymakers, making cannabis education accessible, professional, and transparent.
In 2010, Richard became the face and co-proponent of Proposition 19, the first statewide initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis in California. He invested over $1.3 million of his own funds and used his businesses to support the campaign. Though it failed narrowly, it paved the way for future victories around the country and internationally.
On April 2, 2012, four federal agencies raided Oaksterdam University, Richard’s home, and other businesses. Though no charges were filed, the raid was believed to be politically motivated. He stepped back from leadership, passing the torch to Dale Sky Jones. Despite the setback, the university endured and evolved under her stewardship. It now offers online professional and workforce development training, with over 100,000 graduates from 116 countries, many of whom are today’s business and community leaders.
“Richard’s courage to fight when it wasn’t easy, when it wasn’t safe, and when few others dared, led to a domino effect of global change that we are still witnessing today,” says Dale Sky Jones. “He didn’t wait for the system to catch up; he worked relentlessly to make it right.”
Jeff Jones, Richard’s longtime collaborator and co-founder of OCBC, added, “Richard Lee assumed monumental risks for over a decade, publicly taking charge of the Oaksterdam mission and taking it to new heights, pushing political boundaries beyond what most could imagine possible.”
Beyond his public legacy, Richard was a mentor, a fighter, a godfather, and a true friend. He was generous, selfless, and driven by belief in the potential of others. He demanded the best because he saw the best in us. Donald Lee, Richard’s youngest brother, shared, “Richard was an inspiration to so many. No less so for his family. That inspiration will never fade.”
Richard relocated to Houston to care for his mother, Ann Lee, co-founder of Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition. He remained active in advocacy and stayed close to family. Richard is survived by his mother, Ann; brothers Don, Michael, and Bobby; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Lee, and his eldest brother, Jim Lee.
Known as Rev, he always said, “Keep the Faith.” We certainly will, Richard. His memory will live on through every Oaksterdam graduate, every policy change he inspired, and every community freed from injustice because of his work. His legacy is one of freedom, justice, and hope. Donations may be made to the Richard Lee Memorial Fund to help with costs and continue to honor his legacy.
Photos courtesy of Oaksterdam University
This article is from an external, unpaid contributor. It does not represent High Times’ reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.
