What does decriminalization really mean?

[happiestmferoutthere]

You dont get jail time in California for an ounce or less of weed unless you are selling or growing without a prescription. You get a ticket and have to go to court. Thats it.

[Nebraskan]

NORML does know what there talking about. I got charged with possession and all I had to do was pay a fine. No court or anything. Thankfully, first time possession in Nebraska doesn't even give you a criminal record. California hasn't completely decriminalized. It's still a misdemeanor to posses. However, you can't go to jail for possession of under 28.5 grams. I also think all marijuana possesion offenses get deleted after two years in California. However Californian pot smokers can hope for FULL decriminalization. A bill that would have decriminalized was defeated 31-40. That is a pretty close margin.

I think 12 states have decriminalization laws. Some aren't that great. The best ones are 1. Alaska (however their laws are facing legal challenge), 2. Colorado, 3. Maine, 4. New York, 5. Nebraska.

[khronik]

Decriminalization is NOT the same thing as legalization. Decriminalization means that it's still illegal, it's just not treated as a criminal offense. This typically means you get a fine but the offense doesn't give you a criminal record like it would in a state where there were not decriminalization laws.

[c33p]

it meens that if they catch u and u have under a certain amount u get ur stuff taken away and a ticket but u rnt arested or anythin like that

[thcbongman]

thats not true. decriminalization just means you cant be put in jail for it...but it still is illegal.

But you can go to jail for driving while under the influence of alcohol. You can go to jail for drinking in public.
You can get a tobacco ticket if you are a minor.

Decriminalization has various degrees. In Amsterdam, marijuana is decriminalized, but not legal.

[smokedoja]

my city is decriminalized and when you get caught with an ounce or less its just a 50 dollar ticket