Supporters of a California ballot measure that would have legalized the recreational use of marijuana have conceeded defeat but say they may try again in 2012.

Proposition 19 failed to pass Tuesday, as 53.8 percent of voters opposed it with 97.1 percent of ballots counted, according to the California Secretary of State Website.

The measure would have allowed Californians 21 years and older to grow and possess the drug. It would also authorize local governments to approve sales, cultivation and taxes on the drug.

Law enforcement groups opposed the measure, including police chiefs and sheriffs involved in Public Safety First, the group that mounted the "No on 19" campaign.

"Support for Prop 19 is evaporating faster than bong water at Burning Man," No on Prop 19 spokesman Roger Salazar said on the group's Website. "Prop 19 cannot guarantee 'billions' in revenue to the state; it would make the job of law enforcement more difficult, not less; and recent studies show the initiative would have little impact on drug cartels."

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