[Gravey]

Could you explain how decriminalization helps to defund the cartels?

With legalization comes regulation and better control over the supply chain. I don’t see how decriminalization accomplishes anything other than saving court costs/costs of imprisonment.

[Scoundreller]

Canada’s marijuana legalization has lead to 2 things:

1. A big (and increasing) shift into purchasing from the legal market

2. A price crash on the illegal market. Like half the dollars per ounce going into the black market.

No real sign of increased consumption. And marijuana isn’t this cool and exciting thing anymore. It’s just there if you want it, otherwise carryon.

[Gravey]

So there is a big difference between legalization and decriminalization. I was asking about the latter.

While I can see some of the benefits of decriminalization (easier to provide help to those who need it, enforcement can target distributors rather than users, etc), it really just seems like a political half measure to me.

[Scoundreller]

Yes, and I fear when decriminalization leads to civil penalties instead, it leads to wonky enforcement because it becomes about revenue (fines).