← Law · Encyclopedia
In a sentence. Criminal penalties removed or reduced (often for possession) while the activity stays formally unlawful.
Decriminalisation lifts or softens criminal sanctions — typically replacing them with fines or no penalty for small-scale possession — without making the activity formally legal or building a regulated market. It reduces legal exposure but is not the same as legalisation. Scores in the restricted band.
Related
Live · from the Atlas
Live · where it's argued
Keep wandering
Want this simpler, or a deeper dig? Ask BUD about Decriminalised.