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
Later last year, Idaho activists with Kind Idaho also filed a ballot measure to decriminalize cannabis for personal use in the 2026 election.
—
Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The city is an apt fit for this type of event because psychedelics are decriminalized and legalized in specific contexts, said Brandon Deroche, founder and executive director.
—Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025
The survey found that 62 percent of Texans back legalizing the sale and possession of recreational marijuana, 69 percent support decriminalizing possession of marijuana for personal use, and 79 percent back legalization of medical marijuana with a prescription.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
About 69% of Texans endorse legislation to decriminalize marijuana for those 21 years and older, which would reduce penalties for possession to fines rather than criminal charges.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025
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Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The city is an apt fit for this type of event because psychedelics are decriminalized and legalized in specific contexts, said Brandon Deroche, founder and executive director.
—Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025
The survey found that 62 percent of Texans back legalizing the sale and possession of recreational marijuana, 69 percent support decriminalizing possession of marijuana for personal use, and 79 percent back legalization of medical marijuana with a prescription.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
About 69% of Texans endorse legislation to decriminalize marijuana for those 21 years and older, which would reduce penalties for possession to fines rather than criminal charges.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 11 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 27 Mar. 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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