Using pot as an example, could someone explain the difference between decriminlizing and legalizing this substance? Does the U.S. or state governments treat anything as decriminlized but not legal? If so, what?
Basically, as it has been put into practice, when MJ is decriminilized the possesion of MJ upto a certain weight for
personal use is not an arrestable offense. Where as selling MJ is still against the law.
Legalization would do away with the legal penalities associated with the possesion and sale of the substance, regardless of weight. And would allow for retail establishments to sell MJ.