Oaksterdam University – Education & Activism – At NUG in Oakland, CA
Statement of Purpose
May this Cultural Landmark serve to honor Oaksterdam University as a pioneering force in cannabis education and advocacy, a primary engine of the modern movement for cannabis legalization.
May it celebrate the bold and brave visionaries like Jeff Jones, Richard Lee, Dale Sky Jones, and the thousands of students and faculty who passed through its doors, many of whom became leaders, educators, and advocates of the decriminalization and descheduling cannabis movement.
May it remind us of the importance of education and resilience, the need to always protect the progress made for freedom, and the responsibility we all have to educate others about the true healing capabilities of cannabis, an ancient medicinal plant.
May it be so.
This landmark celebrates the story of education, activism, and the pioneering spirit of Oaksterdam and the Oakland cannabis community.
The building NUG is now located in was the original home of Oaksterdam University, a global epicenter for cannabis education and activism. Oaksterdam’s roots trace back to the mid-1990s, when Jeff Jones founded the Oakland Cannabis Buyers Cooperative, helping to lay the groundwork for California’s medical marijuana legalization in 1996.
In 2007, visionary activist Richard Lee formalized Oaksterdam as a trailblazing educational institution. The university became a hub for the cannabis community, attracting students from around the world eager to learn about the burgeoning industry. The ribbon-cutting ceremony here, with pioneers like Jeff Jones, Dale Sky Jones, and Ed Rosenthal with city leaders, marked the beginning of a new era. Oaksterdam was more than just a school—it is the heartbeat of a movement.
Oaksterdam’s impact extended beyond education. In 2010, Oaksterdam became the de facto headquarters for Proposition 19, the first adult-use legalization initiative of the modern era. Prop 19 became the campaign heard around the world, sparked the debate, and laid the foundation for successful legalization efforts across the U.S.
Oaksterdam’s mission of ending cannabis Prohibition and supporting communities impacted by the War on Drugs remains central, a mission shared by the Landmark hosts at NUG. Oaksterdam’s community has played a key role in changing the world – advising and shaping legislation, ballot initiatives, and governance models nationwide.
In 2012, a dramatic federal raid on the Oaksterdam downtown Oakland campus marked a turning point. The raid, documented in the award-winning film American Pot Story: Oaksterdam, moved the campus to online education. Oaksterdam University’s mission has never wavered, and today, the institution continues its mission through robust online training, providing top-tier professional development to cannabis industry professionals, regulators, and social equity entrepreneurs across the country. Continuing the Oaksterdam legacy, the basement level of 1600 Broadway now houses the NUG shop and lounge.
Location: NUG Oakland
The landmark is located at NUG at 1600 Broadway in Oakland, in the basement of the building that once housed Oaksterdam University. NUG, Inc. is a vertically integrated California cannabis company known for its cutting-edge technology and award-winning products.
NUG Oakland, California’s first Asian-owned equity shop, proudly supports Oakland’s Social Equity Cannabis program, which offers opportunities in the legal cannabis industry to those impacted by the “War on Drugs.” Committed to normalizing cannabis use, NUG meticulously curates their selection with the finest California edibles, beverages, flowers, and more.
Situated on Broadway in Oakland, NUG’s location is unique—enter through a security guard, walk down a hallway adorned with neon lightning-like installations, and descend a flight of stairs. The atmosphere is always vibrant with great music, and the knowledgeable and friendly budtenders enhance the experience.
The lounge provides an exclusive underground vibe with product displays and a comfortable seating area. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular customer, NUG’s knowledgeable budtenders are ready to offer personalized service and cannabis expertise.