Equal Time, produced by SJSU’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications, provides an in-depth look at issues important to Californians. This premiere episode examines the ramifications of legalizing and taxing marijuana. The show will air on KTEH as follows: 7 p.m. Oct. 27, 1 a.m. Oct. 28, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 30, 11:30 p.m. Oct. 31 and 5:30 a.m. Nov. 1.
On November 2, California voters will decide the fate of Proposition 19. There’s no doubt that the cash-strapped state could use additional tax revenue, but how much money might marijuana actually bring in? And what might be the cost to society in terms of problems?
The show takes you inside a dispensary and on a marijuana delivery run. You’ll attend “cannabis college” with students learning the business of growing and selling. From high above Santa Clara Valley, you’ll follow law enforcement agents plucking plants from hillsides. And you’ll find out what neighbors say it’s like to live next door to a so-called “pot house.”
Equal Time examines both sides of legalization, and where some people stand may surprise you. The half-hour segment culminates with a fiery discussion among a physician, a community activist, a narcotics officer, a legalization advocate, and two San Jose State professors who have researched marijuana policy, one from justice studies, and the other from communications.
The host is journalism Associate Professor Bob Rucker, and executive producer is journalism Assistant Professor Diane Guerrazzi. Students contribute to all phases of the research and production. This pilot episode was shot at the KTEH studios.