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
Politics: Kentucky Democrats have introduced legislation to legalize and decriminalize marijuana.
—
Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
In late 2020, Oregon voters overwhelmingly passed the most liberal drug law in the country, decriminalizing possession of small amounts of hard drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine.
—Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
New Mexico’s billion-dollar legal market brought in $32.7 million from its 12% excise tax in fiscal year 2024, while Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana have medicinal markets, with the latter also having decriminalized the drug.
—Ryan Hopper, Austin American Statesman, 17 Apr. 2025
Thai cannabis store owners and activists on Thursday hit out at new government plans to tighten the rules on selling the drug by requiring a doctor’s approval, three years after it was decriminalized.
—Afp, Fortune, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
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Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
In late 2020, Oregon voters overwhelmingly passed the most liberal drug law in the country, decriminalizing possession of small amounts of hard drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine.
—Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
New Mexico’s billion-dollar legal market brought in $32.7 million from its 12% excise tax in fiscal year 2024, while Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana have medicinal markets, with the latter also having decriminalized the drug.
—Ryan Hopper, Austin American Statesman, 17 Apr. 2025
Thai cannabis store owners and activists on Thursday hit out at new government plans to tighten the rules on selling the drug by requiring a doctor’s approval, three years after it was decriminalized.
—Afp, Fortune, 26 June 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 16 Jul. 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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