system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: What's the difference between decriminalizing something and just making it legal?

Like marijuana, for example.
gpt
There are things you can get a fine for (like parking after the meter expires) that are not "criminal".  That is, they are not a felony or misdemeanor.  Sometimes they are called "infractions" or "civil violations".  They are still illegal, but you can't get arrested for them, and paying the fine doesn't make you a "criminal" or give you a "criminal record".  Essentially, the penalty is low and there's less social stigma that would interfere with getting a job or public assistance. (edit, for further clarity:) So when they talk about "decriminalizing" marijuana possession, they mean making the penalty like a parking ticket, but still keeping it illegal.