California voters reject legalization of marijuana
By LISA LEFF, Associated Press
Nov 2, 2010 11:52 PM CDT
Michael Finkelstein smokes a marijuana cigarette while watching election results on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010, in Oakland, Calif. Finkelstein joined about 100 supporters of legalizing marijuana outside the headquarters of the Yes on 19 campaign as early election returns showed the initiative failing. (AP...   (Associated Press)

California voters said no thanks to a ballot initiative that would have made it the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use and sales.

Proposition 19, rejected Tuesday, would have made it legal for adults 21 and over to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, smoke the drug in nonpublic places and grow it in private plots.

The proposed law also would have authorized local governments to permit commercial pot cultivation and sales.

Proponents pitched the measure as a source of tax revenue and a sensible experiment for reducing marijuana-related arrests and crime.