LOS ANGELES (AP) — California voters weren’t high on a ballot measure aimed at legalizing marijuana and appeared to heed warnings of legal chaos and a federal showdown when they defeated the initiative to make the state the first in the nation to allow the recreational use and sale of pot.
In addition, supporters of Proposition 19 blamed Tuesday’s outcome on the conservative leanings of older voters who participate in midterm elections. They acknowledged that young voters had not turned out in sufficient numbers to secure victory but said they were ready to try again in two years.
“It’s still a historic moment in this very long struggle to end decades of failed marijuana prohibition,” said Stephen Gutwillig, California director for the Drug Policy Project. “Unquestionably, because of Proposition 19, marijuana legalization initiatives will be on the ballot in a number of states in 2012, and California is in the mix.”
Tim Rosales, who managed the No on 19 campaign, scoffed at that attitude from the losing side.
“If they think they are going to be back in two years, they must be smoking something,” he said. “This is a state that just bucked the national trend and went pretty hard on the Democratic side, but yet in the same vote opposed Prop 19. I think that says volumes as far as where California voters are on this issue.”
With more than two-thirds of precincts reporting, Proposition 19 was losing by nine percentage points.
The measure received more yes than no votes in just 11 of the state’s 58 counties, getting its strongest support in San Francisco and Santa Cruz counties.
In a sign of what a tough sell it was, an exit poll conducted for The Associated Press showed opposition cutting across gender and racial lines, as well as income and education levels.
The ballot measure even lost in the state’s vaunted marijuana-growing region known as the “Emerald Triangle” of Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity counties.
Voters in three other states cast ballots on medical marijuana-related referenda.
In South Dakota, voters rejected for the second time a measure to legalize marijuana for medical use — a step taken by California in 1996 and 13 other states since. Oregon voters refused to expand their state’s medical marijuana program to create a network of state-licensed nonprofit dispensaries where patients could have purchased the drug.
A medical marijuana measure on Arizona’s ballot was too close to call early Wednesday.
California’s marijuana proposal would have allowed adults 21 and over to possess up to an ounce of pot, consume it in nonpublic places as long as no children were present, and grow it in small private plots.
It also would have authorized local governments to permit commercial pot cultivation, as well as the sale and use of marijuana at licensed establishments.
Images of marijuana leaves and smashed-up cars and school buses appeared in dueling ads during the campaign that pitted the state’s political and law enforcement establishment against determined activists.
Proponents pitched it as a sensible, though unprecedented, experiment that would provide tax revenue for the cash-strapped state, dent the drug-related violence in Mexico by causing pot prices to plummet, and reduce marijuana arrests that they say disproportionately target minority youth.
Popular support was hampered, however, by opposition from some medical marijuana activists, growers and providers, who said they feared the system they have created would be taken over by corporations or lose its purpose.
In the weeks leading to the election, federal officials said they planned to continue enforcing laws making marijuana possession and sales illegal and were considering suing to overturn the California initiative if voters approved it.
“Today, Californians recognized that legalizing marijuana will not make our citizens healthier, solve California’s budget crisis, or reduce drug related violence in Mexico,” White House Drug Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske said.
___
Associated Press writer David Crary in New York contributed to this story.
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Comments (71)
Alky
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 11:09amThe California courts will overturn the vote! LOL
Report Post »338lapua
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 10:57amEven in California they understand basic economics of supply/demand and price support. The veil of illegality of cannabis keeps the price higher. It creates a de-facto scarcity. If anyone can have it anywhere for any reason….than it is ….tobacco!
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 10:16amCalifornia would have a hard time making any money off marijuana to help the state if it we’re legal. You can’t get high off your own supply and make a profit.
It wasn’t meant to be sold.
It was meant to be given away for PEACE.
The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Report Post »benditlikebeck
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 10:13amI find it hypocritical that people who want “less government” would celebrate this victory of “big government.”
Report Post »Youthofthenation
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 10:40amThank You for noticing….
this is why the tea party will be an epic failure.
Report Post »NFYRx
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 10:07amWho cares about pot. Let the weak be weak legally.
Report Post »Ken
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 10:06amSorry, Stossel! You’ll have to keep buying your weed from a dealer!!!
Report Post »alcarfl
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:59amDude, we need a recount, NOW!
Report Post »Youthofthenation
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:57amwhat everyone here seems to fail to realize, is that marijuana has now been acknowledged for its medicinal purposes. The DEA scheduling system states that for a drug to be schedule 1 (crack heroin and marijuana) it must have no medicinal value. It is the responsibility of the DEA to reschedule marijuana as of 1996 when marijuana was officially deems a medicine. For those who say it has no medical value, i must point out that Marinol is legal, the active ingredient, THC, is the element of pot that makes you high. Now tell me why THC is schedule 1, and schedule 3 at the same time? Please, somebody.
Your beloved DEA is the biggest bureaucracy generated by failed policy ever… Locking up kids at the cost of $40,000 a year, invading homes, and ruining lives.
Report Post »themacguy
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:47amWell, if it won‘t pass in California it’s not going to pass anywhere. I hope that our Canadian legislators are watching this and will put this issue to rest. I’m so sick of listening to the arguments pro legalization as they are always being made by some listless, brain-dead pothead. Evn though they have somewhat decriminalized it‘s use here in Canada it’s still not legal and it should stay that way. In fact, other than for medical use, it should be made completely criminal again to possess.
Report Post »Youthofthenation
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:49amcan i please hear a real reason? please make your case
Report Post »dkhartman
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:30amYeah I don’t get it. Cali votes no on gay marriage – no on weed… but says YES TO BROWN and PELOSI??? I just don’t flipping get it!
Report Post »WestOfThePecos
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:25amNot to worry CA, 9th Circuit will override it anyway.
Report Post »neversaynever
Posted on November 4, 2010 at 11:28amIt should be overturned, along with laws banning any drug. What anybody does to themselves within the privacy of their own homes to their bodies and minds is their own business. It’s nothing but blatant arrogance for anybody on here to tell someone else what they should or should not be allowed to do to themselves. It’s like telling someone they can only have a certain haircut, but it‘s my hair I’ll wear it the way I choose.
Report Post »Knightofhopex
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:07amYEAH!!! :D I‘m so glad this didn’t pass. ^o^ Yay!!
Report Post »We Are Not Alone
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:05amCONGRATULATIONS to the American People
YOU WON!!!!
To quote Jon Stewart – Return to Sanity is beginning
Report Post »Youthofthenation
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:15amif less than 50% of americans vote, how do “The American People” win?
Report Post »biggreenboo
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 11:09amThe other 50% were smokin pot… You know that.
Report Post »jettson
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:59amthen they all drove down to the bar for a double martini
Report Post »eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:57amMARIJUANA is the VERY REASON WHY BOXER & BROWN STILL HOLD THEIR SEATS.
A bunch of POT HEADS want to KEEP SMOKING POT – when they are SMOKING POT ANYWAY.
Thanks – YOU BUNCH OF DOPED UP DEAD BEATS.
Report Post »Youthofthenation
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:05amIm sorry, but if you have to blame losses on a plant, i think thats enough said….
Report Post »love the kids
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:56amI heard that the people who probably would have voted yes either couldnt remember there was a vote on tuesday, or they were going to 7-11 to buy munchies instead of voting. Here’s a thought, move polling places to 7-11 stores.
Report Post »Youthofthenation
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:05amdo you have anything real to contribute?
Report Post »Bob Holland
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 12:12pmThe Pot Heads were told the vote is on Wednesday. Silly Pot heads
Report Post »Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:46amThe Dude abides….
Report Post »Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:52amGood Advice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYsw0KVRjCM
Report Post »Youthofthenation
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:45amI do not live in Cali, or even a medical state. I grow Marijuana. Alot of marijuana. I will not buy my smoke from some bottom feeding drug dealer. i grow what i smoke. i dont sell the weed i grow.
i would however like to thank everyone who voted no. as long as it is illegal, my buds can sell for +$400 an oz. just some perspective, i would be making well over $100,000 a year if i were so damned as to lose my job.
I have lost several friends to this drug war. i am disgusted with this broken system. i pray you tea party people realize that this is a conservative ####ing issue. stop controlling that to which you have no right! get the hell out of peoples living rooms and fight real crime! The prohibition makes this stuff so valuable, who wouldnt push it? we dont have a drug problem here, its a money problem. dangle $500 a day in front of any child living in this age and see what happens.
Youve prolly heard of a few of these stoners:
Louisa May Alcott
Jennifer Aniston
Bing Crosby
Laura Bush
The Beatles
Mayor Michael Bloomberg
William F. Buckley, Jr.
Johnny Carson
President Bill Clinton
Johnny Depp
Harrison Ford
Bill Gates
President Andrew Jackson
President Thomas Jefferson
Steve Jobs
President John Kennedy
Stephen King
Ann Landers
President James Madison
Madonna
John Stuart Mill
President James Monroe
Mozart
Friedrich Nietzsche
Peggy Noonan
President Barack Obama
Sarah Palin
Governor George Pataki
Pablo Picasso
President Franklin Pierce
Brad Pitt
Oliver Sacks
Arnold Schwarzenegger
William Shakespeare
Barbra Streisand
George Soros
President Zachary Taylor
Queen Victoria
President George Washington
John Wayne
Thats right, your late demigod Buckley was one of the largest proponents of ending the war on drugs. This is truly a conservative issue
Report Post »Youthofthenation
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:53amif it is worth the tax dollars, i invite the DEA to trace my IP and come get me. I have devoted my life, wealth, and my sacred honor to this country and the freedoms she ensures and protects. I will not fear my own government
Report Post »kickedoutofengland
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:56amI agree with being allowed to grow your own. If it were legalized and we were allowed to grow our own, wouldn’t it reduce the flow from the violently evil drug lords and gangs across the Mexican-US border?
Report Post »Soldier4Christ
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:13pmYouth, there is so much wrong with what you just said that I don’t even know where to start. First, its obviously not just a conservative issue since a liberal governor and liberal senator won their races, yet this initiative did not. Second, you say that we should stop controlling something that we have no right in. Um, we have plenty of right because this is just as much our country as it is yours. Third, I guarantee that you list is inaccurate. Half of them I’m sure did not smoke pot and the other half are not exactly role models. Finally, your inconsistent. You make a point to say that you don’t sell pot in one sentence, but then state that since this was not passed your pot will be more valuable. I’ll just leave it at that.
Report Post »printdesignchicago.com
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:37amdespite the drug use of this plant… it DOES have valid INDUSTRIAL USES. we should AT LEAST legalize it for that.
YOU CANNOT GET HIGH FROM INDUSTRIAL HEMP (unless you smoke a dump-truck full) and it could VERY WELL release us from the bondage of FOREIGN OIL DEPENDENCY!
it could provide JOBS, FUEL, FOOD, PLASTICS, etc…. RESEARCH IT like you researched Anus Reid… you‘ll see i’m right.
Report Post »Bob Holland
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:01amAllow me to first qualify my position. I don‘t smoke pot and don’t care if it’s legal or illegal.
My point to your statement is this. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams grew hemp on their farms. It was a cash crop which many of the days products were made from. They would probably question our reasoning if they were alive today and say what’s up with hemp farms being illegal. I’m Mormon and have strong stances against using it personally but believe that everyone should be able to make up their minds as to whether they choose to consume it or not. So long as they harm no one in using it. Such as the alcohol laws are. I just think if it was good enough for our Founding Fathers to grow it should be OK for us to grow and sell. I hate this big Government crap telling us what we can and can’t do. And passes laws that criminalize everyone in the Country and enforce the laws on who they choose.
Report Post »MUDFLAPS
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:36amWhat in the hell is wrong with people in California??? jerry brown????? barbara boxer??? nancy pisslowsee??? Please God can you clip this state off and make it an island next to Russia? Oh and can you take Nevada with it?
Report Post »jedi.kep
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:27amAt least California still has some standards. WEAK standards mind you, but at least they have some…
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:24amGlad this has crashed and burned. Proves there the people of CA have more sense than the general governing politicians do.
Report Post »where is JG
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 9:23pmREALLY? Lets think about this. the money in GROSS on Pot in California is larger than the entire CA Wine industry. WHO KILLED THE POT BILL? The dealers. Why cut in the state and the feds with the regulation and that WHOLE BIG GOVERNMENT THING> No Business man wants a gubbament takeover of ANY BUSINESS. Not even the dopes. In Humbolt Cty, samples were given with rolling papers that said VOTE NO ON THE AMENDMENT. WHY? It will cost more. Even a dopehead knows More is not good. Now if we only can get them to see that with the size of the FEDeral Govt. justmy2cents
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:24amBut you keep voting for commies?
Report Post »biggreenboo
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:22amTea Bagging Matty1631…. Sorry dude… NO POT FOR YOU!!!!!!!
Report Post »338lapua
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 11:31amSorry…pookie bear hasn’t come out of the basement since last night when he peed himself and ran away crying.I’ll send him up when he stops sobbing.
Report Post »HouseNegro
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:21amWTF Voted Brown in as Gov. they had to be stoned. Oh Wait they were stoned and the short term memory loss kicked in. What a bunch of morons, had their chance and were to stoned to remember to votefor WEED!!!
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:30amNotice the legislation failed and so it gets blamed on the actions of older voters, and the failure of the youth votes to turn out. They just do not want to accept that most people do not want the stuff to be made legal.
Report Post »MAULEMALL
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:35amJobs are flying out of california and they vote in the biggest anti business guys in America…
Hey Cali… Pay your own bills.
Report Post »Bob Holland
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 7:36amWow they really blew it this time. They would have needed that Marijuana for the next 2 years to be able to handle the democratic BS that they’re going to have to deal with.
Report Post »tobywil2
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:07amThe failure of the 18th amendment demonstrated the failure and fallacy of the use of government force to control personal behavior (victimless crimes). It is everyone’s right to be protected from the initiation of physical force. Why, you say? Because it is in everyone’s selfish best interest that all citizens are free. Victimless crimes laws violate that god given right. The economic consequences these “behavior control laws” (victimless crimes) is legend. The results are incarceration of productive citizens and enrichment of the criminal element. The cost of these “victimless crime” laws to the economy defies imagination. http://commonsense21c.com/
Report Post »Libertarian25
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:37amI think this is more proof that California doesn’t have the foggiest idea, as to what the hell is really goin on out here!
Report Post »tobywil2
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:47amThe real problem is the “victimless crime” laws. The 18th amendment (prohibition) did not work. The marijuana laws only insure that the distribution profits from marijuana go to organized crime. Prostitution is supposed to be the world’s oldest profession, so that law must not work either. Elimination of the “victimless crime laws” would allow the police to protect life and property and remove one of the anchors on the economy.
Report Post »http://commonsense21c.com/
HKS
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 10:33amMaybe all those illegals that they bused in to vote saw grass on the ballot and said, “no mas, to much grass to cut already”.
Report Post »REBELWITHACAUSE
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 1:30pm@ HKS – ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!! I bet you’re right!
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 8:45pmgood job NWO lackies
Report Post »http://www.infowars.com/drug-laws-trump-constitutional-rights/
maybe one day we will all be in jail for some thought crime or maybe
a bad headlight.
ru12
Posted on November 4, 2010 at 1:26amNo they were not too stoned to know that legalized dope would put all the little dealers out of business as well as the big guys! I was told by everyone over 50 that they voted YES. I asked my 20 something, mostly student, staff, and they said legalization would mess everything up! Now I know why they can afford to take all those days off.
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