Decriminalization Vs Legalization of Cannabis (Major Difference)

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Decriminalization means the eradication of cannabis consumption as a criminal offense. It doesn’t categorize using marijuana as a felony. Meanwhile, legalizing cannabis means the legal acceptance of cannabis use in a state for either recreational purposes, medicinal purposes, or both.

Let us example it in a simple. Let’s say you use marijuana in a state where it’s legally allowed to consume.

In that case, you will have an MMJ card issued with the help of online platforms like KIF to buy marijuana legally from the store. So, you won’t face any legal actions or be considered a misdemeanor if you consume cannabis in a state where it’s completely legal.

But let’s say you drive a vehicle after or while using marijuana or use it at any establishment. In that case, you’ll break a federal regulation and may face charges. However, you may face misdemeanor charges if you consume cannabis in a recently decriminalized state.

Available for medicinal purposes in 37 states, marijuana or CBD is a prominent drug that people can legally buy with prescriptions. Although cannabis regulations might be complex, this article will help you understand the main distinctions between cannabis decriminalization and cannabis legalization.

What Do You Mean By Cannabis Decriminalization?

Cannabis is no longer a crime in 27 states at the moment. Cannabis is not automatically made lawful by decriminalization. Rather, it means that tiny amounts of marijuana will no longer be considered less serious offenses while being possessed or consumed. There might be no consequences if it’s very small amounts.

Suppose you carry or possess less than three ounces of weed (marijuana) in New York. In that case, you’re clean, and the cops won’t charge you. However, per NYC regulations, possessing over three and eight ounces of cannabis is illegal. In that case, the state may charge a penalty of $1000 and a maximum of one year of sentence.

If you don’t know, NYC still considers it illegal or partially allows the use of cannabis for recreational purposes. So, the more liberal rules aren’t applicable everywhere, even in states that have enacted some decriminalization initiatives. In areas where cannabis is completely legal, administrative fees and other legal consequences might still be imposed.

But you have nothing to worry about if you use cannabis in decriminalized states, as they do not consider it a felony. Although you may face charges of a misdemeanor or some other minor offense if you use cannabis in decriminalized states, you won’t face any felony.

In addition, many people have successfully cleared their criminal histories in states where cannabis use is legal. In states that have decriminalized marijuana, a prior felony marijuana charge that might have made it difficult for someone to find work or shelter is wiped off their records.

People can start over regarding their legal standing thanks to the decriminalization of cannabis. People of color, who have historically been the War on Drugs’ main targets, particularly benefit from decriminalization in this way.

What Do You Mean By Cannabis Legalization?

Nineteen states currently allow the recreational use of marijuana. The legalization of cannabis means the state legally accepts and allows cannabis consumption. It means consuming cannabis in such a state will be considered neither a misdemeanor nor a crime.

Nowadays, people categorize the legalization of marijuana into two parts. The first is to make marijuana usage entirely legal, encompassing both recreational and medical uses, while the second is only to allow medical use of the drug.

Despite being available in dispensaries, cannabis is still available in the black market. The risk of buying cannabis on the illegal market includes lower product quality and possible legal repercussions. Thanks to cannabis legalization, not many people buy marijuana in illegal ways. It is easily available in any officially authorized shop in the legal states.

US States With Cannabis Decriminalization: Checklist

Besides knowing what differentiates decriminalization from legalization, learn which states do not impose charges on people for basic marijuana possession. So, these states are:

• California
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• Virginia
• Alaska
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nevada
• Columbia
• New Hampshire
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Vermont

US States With Legalized Cannabis: Checklist

In this section, you’ll notice that some decriminalized states have already legalized marijuana use while others have only worked on one of the two things. You can remain legally secure in your state or while traveling if you know decriminalized vs. legal marijuana regulations.

States with a strict medical mandate (excluding those that just legalized CBD oil):

• Alabama
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Louisiana
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Utah

Recreational & Medicinal States

• Alaska
• California
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Washington
• Arizona
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Maine
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New York
• Rhode Island
• Virginia

Decriminalization Vs. Legalization of Cannabis: Which Is More Common In The US?

Decriminalization is more frequent since 19 states have legalized cannabis, and 27 states have decriminalized it. But you should know that cannabis legalization for medicinal uses is more prevalent in the US, especially when it comes to medicinal programs. The fact that 37 US states legalize its use and possession for medicinal use proves it.

You are undoubtedly aware of the numerous US states that have made medical marijuana legal. Despite this, it is evident that some states are still wary and opposed to legalizing cannabis for recreational use. However, a lot of states have decided to make marijuana totally legal.

It’s important to remember that you may still face penalties under federal law even if you are not the subject of state accusations.

Ending Note

Cannabis’s legal standing is continually changing in the US. Some state laws have made it completely lawful to use marijuana, whereas others have only decriminalized it. Before buying marijuana, familiarize yourself with your home state’s drug legalization and decriminalization legislation.

Now that we know the difference between legalization and decriminalization of cannabis, it’s time to get your MMJ or medical marijuana card for the best legal defense. KIF provides a quick, easy online method of obtaining your MMJ card.

KIF assists you throughout the procedure and securely links you with a doctor for medical card approval. With an MMJ card, patients are prioritized and given better pricing at dispensaries besides having greater legal protection. So, get yours now!

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FAQs

Is the legalization of cannabis good?

• Yes, cannabis legalization is good, as patients requiring marijuana for medicinal purposes now find it easy to access from any authorized dispensary.

How many US states have legalized marijuana use?

• 37 US states have legalized cannabis, and 21 of them allow their residents to use it recreationally.

Can I get a medical card in the US if my age is below 18?

• Yes, an individual under 18 can apply for an MMJ card in the US. However, they must show records of a qualifying medical condition, such as autism, epilepsy, or cancer. As they are minors, they’ll not only need the doctor’s prescription but also their parent’s permission to consume the drug for medicinal purposes.