Decriminalization and legalization are distinct things. Legalization means just that, the act becomes legal. Decriminalization means that the act isn't legal bu

Decriminalization and legalization are distinct things. Legalization means just that, the act becomes legal. Decriminalization means that the act isn't legal but the perceived severity is reduced and punishment for it is moved out of the bounds of the criminal justice system (e.g. getting caught with a joint becomes a ticket, like a parking ticket or an open container ticket, instead of sending someone to jail)