decriminalize
verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize
(ˌ)dē-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 
-ˈkrim-nəl-
decriminalized; decriminalizing; decriminalizes
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
especially
: to repeal a strict ban on while keeping under some form of regulation
decriminalize the possession of marijuana
Examples of decriminalize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It's not decriminalized for other uses, though, and people can still be prosecuted for having non-medical marijuana.
—
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2024
In some areas, like Morgantown, it has been partially decriminalized.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 17 Apr. 2024
Last year, the Australian Capital Territory decriminalized possession of small amounts of hard drugs, meaning people caught with the substances face fines and counseling rather than jail terms, while Queensland introduced a three-strike system.
—Chris Lau, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024
But as psychedelics enter the mainstream—becoming decriminalized, state-legal, or even FDA-approved—they will be dispensed and sold differently from marijuana.
—Jane C. Hu, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024
Oregon was the only state to decriminalize illicit drug possession.
—Sara Chernikoff, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024
Though the measure is focused on treating mental health issues, the provisions would decriminalize recreational use for anyone 21 or order who possesses four grams or less of psilocybin.
—Iris Dorbian, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
The no-vending zones were established by a 2018 ordinance that decriminalized street vending elsewhere in the city and created rules and regulations for vendors.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2024
On Friday, Germany passed a measure decriminalizing possession and home cultivation of cannabis, starting on April 1.
—Steve Mollman, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2024
In some areas, like Morgantown, it has been partially decriminalized.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 17 Apr. 2024
Last year, the Australian Capital Territory decriminalized possession of small amounts of hard drugs, meaning people caught with the substances face fines and counseling rather than jail terms, while Queensland introduced a three-strike system.
—Chris Lau, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024
But as psychedelics enter the mainstream—becoming decriminalized, state-legal, or even FDA-approved—they will be dispensed and sold differently from marijuana.
—Jane C. Hu, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024
Oregon was the only state to decriminalize illicit drug possession.
—Sara Chernikoff, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024
Though the measure is focused on treating mental health issues, the provisions would decriminalize recreational use for anyone 21 or order who possesses four grams or less of psilocybin.
—Iris Dorbian, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
The no-vending zones were established by a 2018 ordinance that decriminalized street vending elsewhere in the city and created rules and regulations for vendors.
—Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2024
On Friday, Germany passed a measure decriminalizing possession and home cultivation of cannabis, starting on April 1.
—Steve Mollman, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decriminalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
decriminalize
transitive verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize
dē-ˈkri-mən-ᵊl-ˌīz
decriminalized; decriminalizing
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of
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