Oaksterdam is the district of Oakland, California where cannabis is available for purchase in a variety of smokeable and edible preparations. Modeled after Amsterdam's liberal adult marijuana laws, the streets of Oaksterdam are lined with cafes, boutique retail and patient dispensaries. Located between downtown and Lake Merritt, the area has seen a drop in crime, less empty storefronts, and has been revitalized by the budding cannabis district.

In the State of California, cannabis is legally available to patients with a doctor's recommendation. According to Proposition 215, a statewide voter initiative passed in 1996, marijuana used for medical purposes is legal to purchase and consume. Dispensaries require a doctor's note in order to obtain medical cannabis, which is legal under California Law but remains illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

Oaksterdam University is the first standardized education system for the cannabis industry. OU teaches students how to grow, distribute and market cannabis. Students come from all over the world to learn about the Politics and History of cannabis, Cooking, and of course, Horticulture! Advanced classes prepare students to start a business of their own, like a dispensary or delivery service. But OU is not just about classes, it serves as an activism headquarters for the San Francisco Bay Area. Resources are available for patients, activists and others interested in reforming the current unjust laws. A bike rental and a pedicab (bike taxi) service were recently introduced to encourage tourism, which supports the local restaurants and mom & pop shops.

Tourists come from all over the world to visit this cannabis-friendly area. Neighborhoods that were once magnets for the homeless and violent criminals have seen a dramatic reduction in crime and violence. Oaksterdam has not only played a role in the revitalization of Oakland, it also proves that cannabis can be sold with numerous benefits to the community.

For more info see oaksterdamuniversity.com or oaksterdaminfo.com

Marijuana Nation premieres Tuesday December 2 at 10pm e/p on the National Geographic Channel