Decriminalization is a process rather than a particular policy option, because it entails a range of options including partial prohibition, tolerating private cultivation, or setting up a regulated commercial market. Decriminalization became the dominant drug policy approach in the 1970's, when 11 States made marijuana possession punishable by a civil fine or took similar approaches. None of the 11 States has rescinded the marijuana decriminalization law. However, since 1981 the Reagan Administration has advocated a return to a total prohibition, using rhetoric referring to zero tolerance and user accountability. These policies have not reduced the widespread use of marijuana in the United States. However, they have driven up the price of marijuana and encouraged more domestic cultivation. The criminalization also tends to hide drug-related behavior from public view, study, and treatment. Decriminalization argues that drug abuse is a health problem. It focuses on achievable objectives based on the principles of social science. Thus, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana recommends allowing adults to grow marijuana at home for personal use, State determination of commercial sales, and Federal guidelines on age limit and commercial advertising. 13 references.