decriminalize

verb

de·​crim·​i·​nal·​ize (ˌ)dē-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 

-ˈkrim-nəl-

decriminalized; decriminalizing; decriminalizes

transitive verb

: 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

decriminalization

(ˌ)dē-ˌkri-mə-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌkrim-nəl-

noun

Examples of decriminalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Natural Medicine Act, which decriminalized psilocybin and greenlit the state's development of a therapeutic pathway for mushrooms, also decriminalized ibogaine and other psychedelics. —Olivia Young, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

But as more lawmakers move to legalize and decriminalize possession and use of marijuana, more medical researchers are diving into learning more about how the drug affects the human body. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

If cannabis is eventually decriminalized, California could see a windfall. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026

In 2019, Denver, Colorado, became the first American city to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. —Hollis Karoly, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for decriminalize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize

Legal 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

decriminalization

dē-ˌkri-mən-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

noun