Read the official Press Release Here

On Sunday, July 27, the world lost a pioneer, a visionary, and a fearless advocate for justice.

Richard Lee didn’t just talk about change; he made it happen. As the founder of Oaksterdam University, Blue Sky Coffeeshop (formerly SR-71), the Oaksterdam Gift Shop, and the Bulldog Coffeeshop, Richard helped lead a revolution not just in cannabis policy, but in education, activism, and freedom. He made marijuana reform not only a political issue, but a cultural one—something cool, vital, and deserving of widespread attention. He brought cannabis to the mainstream, changing hearts and minds along the way, and proving that reform was not just necessary, but inevitable. Richard put his money where his mouth was by sponsoring the most impactful statewide voter initiative in history, and every day, doing business in cannabis was a huge part of how he did advocacy. He let the cameras in to see good people do good things in front of the world.

His vision didn’t stop at policy. Richard understood that real change required shifting how people viewed cannabis and the people affected by its criminalization. Because of his work on Proposition 19 in 2009–10, countless families were spared the injustice of imprisonment. He helped pave the way for a future where people no longer face criminal charges for using or working in cannabis.

Thanks to him, opportunities have opened up for so many people. Richard’s vision brought new jobs, new businesses, new protection for patients, and allowed for new lives with dignity where once there was only stigma and punishment.

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. He didn’t wait for the system to catch up; he worked relentlessly to make it right. His legacy is one of freedom for individuals, freedom for communities, and freedom for families who can now thrive without the shadow of an unjust system hanging over them. I’m honored and grateful to continue his mission.

Beyond his public legacy, I’ll miss the man. His humor, his fierce mind, his generous heart. He was a mentor, a fighter, the godfather to our children, and a true friend to Jeff and me. He was a warrior. His kindness and belief in the potential of others will live on in all of us who had the privilege to know him or be touched by his work. He was the first to tell you to do it for yourself and help you copy his blueprint because he was selfless. He was generous. Richard was the most giving man when you showed up and worked with him. He was crunchy, demanding the best because he saw it in you. He was always the hardest worker I saw, rolling circles around the rest of us every day with his tenacity, spit, and vinegar. WTF Rev… too soon. Too soon, Brother.

Rest in power, Richard. Thank you for everything. He always said, “Keep the Faith.” We’ll carry the torch forward just like you taught us.

To help Oaksterdam’s mission, please donate to the Oaksterdam Nonprofit for Education. 

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