The way you are using decriminalize VS legalize is explicitly different than how they are generally used. Legalize means 100 legal. Decriminalized usually means

The way you are using decriminalize VS legalize is explicitly different than how they are generally used. Legalize means 100 legal. Decriminalized usually means something like downgraded to a misdemeanor where it is still not technically legal but there are no major criminal consequences. I agree with your broader point though.