Decriminalization means that the thing isn't treated as a crime, not that it is legal. Making an accidental error on your taxes is illegal, but it is not a cri

Decriminalization means that the thing isn't treated as a crime, not that it is legal. Making an accidental error on your taxes is illegal, but it is not a crime. You're given the chance to fix it, or assessed a small fine. Setting up a lemonade stand without a license is illegal, but it is not a crime. You're told to shut down, or assessed a small fine (or more likely, not bothered by the authorities at all). This is why people advocate for decriminalization, not legalization. Keep it against the rules, but make it a slap-on-the-wrist civil offense, not a crime you can be thrown in jail for. This is how illicit drugs were treated before the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 added production, possession, sale, and use to the criminal code.