Synonyms of decriminalize

decriminalize

verb

as in to legalize

Related Words

• legalize
• let
• permit
• suffer
• approve
• allow
• endorse
• sanction

Dissimilar Words

• criminalize
• outlaw
• prohibit
• illegalize
• ban
• forbid
• proscribe
• enjoin
• bar
• interdict

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of decriminalize

Unlike the rest of the state, minor possession of recreational marijuana and cannabis in Philadelphia is decriminalized, which changes the weight and severity of enforcement for possession of recreational marijuana in certain amounts. — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 14 May 2026

And for years, Sacramento basically decriminalized all of it. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 6 May 2026

However, neither the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment nor the Department of Revenue currently has funding to do the same for psychedelics, which were legalized and decriminalized in 2022. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 May 2026

Proponents of legalizing marijuana as well as overhauling prison sentencing say this order, which does not completely decriminalize the drug, benefits only cannabis researchers, growers and others in Big Weed. — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026