Legalization, medicinal marijuana, and decriminalization are frequently used in the public debate. The following provides fundamental explanations for these three terms: Legalization: This factor refers to the laws or policies that make marijuana possession and usage acceptable under state law.  Decriminalization: It refers to policies that change the nature of the penalty for possessing and using limited quantities of cannabis from illegal to fines or civil infractions.  Medicinal Marijuana: National laws that let someone defend themselves against charges of cannabis ownership if the offender can show a legitimate medicinal need for the drug.