(Editor's note: This is the second piece in a six-part series on Oakland Local on the business of marijuana.)

After just two years, Oaksterdam University is an institutional heavy-weight, drawing hundreds of students from all over the United States to learn to cultivate marijuana and legally sell the plants. Forty-seven-year-old entrepreneur and Oaksterdam founder Richard Lee started the school after seeing the need for a disciplined, academic approach to cannabis cultivation, and also cannabis law and business. And in the process he wanted to legitimize the marijuana industry.

"This isn't your older brother growing a plant in the garage," said Oaksterdam spokesperson Greg Grimala. "This is a legitimate industry like any other. Everyone here is an entrepreneur."

The Board of Directors of Oakland Pride will welcome Vice Mayor Jean Quan, Oakland City Council members Pat Kernighan and Rebecca Kaplan for a ribbon cutting and champagne reception at the Oakland Pride office.