Richard Lee (activist)

Richard Lee
Richard Lee at Hemp & Cannabis Expo 2010
OccupationCannabis activist

Richard Lee (born 1964) is a marijuana rights activist who ran various medical marijuana programs throughout downtown Oakland, California.[1] He is regarded as a central figure in Northern California's medical marijuana movement.[2] He also operated a coffee shop.[3] He has been active in working to end cannabis prohibition since 1992.[citation needed]

California Proposition 19

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He was the chief promoter of California Proposition 19, titled the "Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010", which was a measure to legalize marijuana in California. On December 14, 2009 the secretary of state confirmed receipt of enough signatures to qualify the measure for inclusion on the November 2010 ballot.[4] The initiative failed to pass, with 54% of California voters voting "No", and 46% voting "Yes".[5]

Oaksterdam University

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In 2007, Lee founded Oaksterdam University, the United States' first cannabis-oriented "college".[4] The unaccredited educational facility offers classes on politics and legal issues related to marijuana as well as horticulture, business management, extractions, budtending and entrepreneurship.[citation needed] Lee is no longer with the organization according to the website.

References

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  1. ^ "Richard Lee". Oaksterdam University. 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  2. ^ Morning Edition, June 7, 2010 broadcast.
  3. ^ "Growing Medical Marijuana Industry Sparks Debate in California". Voice of America News. November 11, 2009. Archived from the original on November 14, 2009.
  4. ^ a b McKinley, Jesse (October 27, 2009). "Push to Legalize Marijuana Gains Ground in California". New York Times.
  5. ^ "CA Secretary of State: Results for Proposition 19". Secretary of State's office. November 7, 2010. Archived from the original on November 6, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
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