What is decriminalization of possession for personal use?

• A. It makes possession fully legal for sale.
• B. It increases penalties for possession.
• C. It removes criminal penalties for possession for personal use and often routes to treatment.
• D. It imposes more jail time for users.

Answer: (C)

Decriminalization of possession for personal use means that having a small amount of a drug for yourself is no longer punished as a crime. Instead, the issue is handled through civil penalties, warnings, or public health approaches, such as referral to treatment or counseling, rather than criminal punishment. The goal is to reduce harm and stigma and to link individuals to support services rather than incarcerate them. This is why the best description is that it removes criminal penalties for possession for personal use and often routes to treatment. It does not authorize selling the drug, it does not increase penalties, and it does not entail harsher jail penalties.