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
Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, became the first hallucinogenic substance to be decriminalized in the U.S. after Denver voted to legalize possession of it in 2019.
—
Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
In California, along with states like Oregon, District of Columbia, and Colorado, psilocybin is decriminalized; in many other states like New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, decriminalization is up for active legislation.
—Jill Di Donato, SELF, 14 May 2025
There were educational talks, live music and free samples of mushroom products – all possible because psilocybin is now decriminalized in Colorado.
—Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
Jamaica decriminalized small amounts of cannabis in 2014, granting Rastafarians the unique right to use and cultivate marijuana for religious purposes.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
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Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
In California, along with states like Oregon, District of Columbia, and Colorado, psilocybin is decriminalized; in many other states like New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, decriminalization is up for active legislation.
—Jill Di Donato, SELF, 14 May 2025
There were educational talks, live music and free samples of mushroom products – all possible because psilocybin is now decriminalized in Colorado.
—Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
Jamaica decriminalized small amounts of cannabis in 2014, granting Rastafarians the unique right to use and cultivate marijuana for religious purposes.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 6 May 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 29 May. 2025.
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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