Decriminalization
Pronounced / dee·krim·ih·nuh·luh·ZAY·shun /
Reducing penalties for certain cannabis offenses, often to a civil fine, without creating a legal market.
Example in a sentence
“Under decriminalization, possessing a small amount meant a fine, not an arrest.”
Also called decriminalize, decrim
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History
Oregon becomes the first U.S. state to decriminalize marijuana possession
Taking effect on October 5, 1973, Oregon's reform eliminated jail time for possessing up to one ounce of cannabis, replacing criminal arrest…
Adult-Use Legalization
New Jersey voters overwhelmingly pass Public Question 1 (67.08% Yes) to legalize adult-use cannabis
By a two-to-one landslide of 67.08% Yes to 32.92% No on November 3, 2020, New Jersey voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing…
Medical Cannabis
Michigan voters pass Proposal 1 to bring medical cannabis to the Midwest; Massachusetts decriminalizes possession
On November 4, 2008, Michigan voters approved Proposal 1 by a 62.68% landslide—winning all 83 counties to become the first Midwest medical…