Quote Originally Posted by TheSmokingMonkey
And decriminalized means that it's a misdemeanor, like a speeding ticket or something, rather than a felony, like armed robbery. Currently in most states (and federally) possession is a felony, but in some states it has been "decriminalized" which means you get a fine instead of a prison sentence if you are found in possession.

So it's still illegal, but it's a civil fine, not a "crime".
No, decriminalized means that there is no charge, only a fine. A misdemeanor is still a pretty heavy charge. If weed were decriminalized, it would be equivalent to jay-walking and other petty things like that.