The difference between decriminalization and legalization of drugs lies in the severity of penalties imposed on individuals who sell, use, or possess illicit drugs with the former only suggesting police make drug offenses the lowest law enforcement priority, while the latter removes restrictions around their use and sale making it legal. However, these policies are still subject to the Controlled Substances Act, and repealing that seems unlikely due to the inconsistency of the federal government's tolerance for drugs, which is dependent on the current administration.