[jamil7]

In that specific case decriminalization would indeed help, those caught stealing to feed an addiction that end up with a criminal record then face the difficult reality of trying to find employment with a that record. On top of that doing jail time often means soliciting with other criminals, making contacts and building the wrong kinds of networks.

Decriminalization in combination with rehab and community service programs sets those people up for a far better chance of overcoming addiction.

[umvi]

Correct me if I'm wrong, decriminalization just means you won't be charged with a crime if you are in possession of drugs, but you will still be charged with stealing if you steal. Stealing for the purpose of buying drugs does not get a free pass under drug decriminalization afaik.

[jamil7]

Yeah this does make sense and my comment didn't really take that in to account. I guess I imagined more leniency when a drug addict is no longer seen as a criminal.

[B_ryJenkins]

From what i know that is correct, there definitely would have been more backlash if they changes the laws on theft along with this.