What Is Decriminalization Of Drugs. In essence, drug decriminalization means a reduction in legal penalties for possession. Decriminalization is the elimination of criminal penalties for an activity while legalization eliminates all penalties.

There is no universal agreement on these terms, but it is helpful to explore the different ideas that lie behind them if we are to understand better what they mean when they are used in the debate on different approaches to controlling the supply and use of drugs. In essence, drug decriminalization means a reduction in legal penalties for possession. Decriminalization means that a state repealed or amended its laws to make certain acts criminal, but no longer subject to prosecution.