What is the difference between legalizing and decriminalizing?

[question everything]

As in marijuana, or prostitution?

[getagrip_already]

1. Mass did both for cannabis....

The first step was decriminalization. When that was passed, getting caught with up to 1 oz of cannabis was the equivalent of a traffic citation. I think it was a $50 fine. Everything about it was still illegal, but the penalties for low level possession were minor.

When it became rec legal, possession outside your home with up to 1 oz is completely legal. The only kink is that you can be charged with having an open container if the package doesn't have a state seal and you have it within reach while driving. Same rules and penalties as driving with an open container of alcohol.

You can also grow up to 6 plants per person, or 12 per household. If you grow, you can have any amount.

There are other rules. But it is now legal to buy it in licensed dispensaries, possess it, smoke it in private, and grow it.

[question everything]

2. Thanks. I suppose it make sense to start with decriminalizing.

[getagrip_already]

3. yup, first thing that happened was

a lot of kids suddenly weren't collecting court appearances and legal fees.

Cops hated it. They were still trampling the law by ignoring how it worked. They handed out citations like business cards.

The courts tore them a new one and the magistrates started tossing the citations without a hearing.

But the world didn't end. Use by kids actually fell. It pisses off the red hats, so that is a bonus.