The 24 States Where Marijuana Is Decriminalized
The difference between legalization and decriminalization of marijuana may not seem huge, but it’s actually very significant. While legalization allows for the distribution and possession of marijuana,decriminalization mostly cuts down on the arrests and prosecutions connected to weed. That’s why many states are more willing to take the steps to decriminalize marijuana over legalizing it. Decriminalization allows for cutting costs on legal procedures and stops wasting the time of many law enforcement officers.
The states on this list have decriminalized cannabis. If aperson is discovered with a small amount of marijuana in their home or on their person, they may be subjected to fines or mandatory drug treatment instead ofjail time. Many of the states on this list have conditions set to the decriminalization, such as only decriminalizing the first offense or just allowing 2.5 ounces or less.
Which states have decriminalized medical marijuana? Checkout this list to find out if your state has stopped handing out harsh punishments to pot users.
Alaska is legalized for medical and recreational use.
Arkansas has legalized the use and sale of medical marijuana, but possessing less than 4 ounces is still considered a misdemeanor.
In California, if you are 21 years or older, you are permitted to purchase and use recreational cannabis.
If you are 21 years or older in Colorado, you can purchase and use cannabis recreationally.
In 2011, small amounts of marijuana were decriminalized. However, those caught with marijuana can be fined $150-500.
- Beginning in 2009, many cities within Illinois began to individually decriminalized cannabis, including Urbana, Cook County, Springfield, Evanston, Chicago, and Salem. In 2013, Illinois became the 20th state to allow medical marijuana.