What Does Decriminalizing Mean?

Decriminalization or decriminalisation is the reclassification in law relating to certain acts or aspects of such to the effect that they are no longer considered a crime, including the removal of criminal penalties in relation to them.

What does it mean when a drug is decriminalized?

One means to reduce the number of people swept into the criminal justice system (or deported) for drug law violations is to decriminalize drug use and possession. Decriminalization is the removal of criminal penalties for drug law violations (usually possession for personal use).

What's the difference between legalized and decriminalized?

Legalization of cannabis is the process of removing all legal prohibitions against it. Cannabis would then be available to the adult general population for purchase and use at will, similar to tobacco and alcohol. Decriminalization is the act of removing criminal sanctions against an act, article, or behavior.