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
The European Quasi-Legalization Approach The Czech Republic has had a tolerant approach to recreational cannabis, decriminalizing small amounts since 2010.
—
Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Katie Wiseman Marijuana is not legal in Indiana, but it is decriminalized.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
Based on these results, a pair of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, published a related article arguing for a different treatment of the drug in the future — a treatment in which cannabis is decriminalized, but still discouraged, on the basis of heart health.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2025
The group that opposed a ballot question that would have decriminalized psychedelics for mental health treatments got the most bang for their buck, campaign finance records show.
—Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
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Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Katie Wiseman Marijuana is not legal in Indiana, but it is decriminalized.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
Based on these results, a pair of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, published a related article arguing for a different treatment of the drug in the future — a treatment in which cannabis is decriminalized, but still discouraged, on the basis of heart health.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2025
The group that opposed a ballot question that would have decriminalized psychedelics for mental health treatments got the most bang for their buck, campaign finance records show.
—Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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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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