Licit

Licit is an adjective used to describe activities, substances, or goods that are permitted by law or regulation. The term originates from Latin licitus, meaning lawful or permitted, and contrasts with illicit, which denotes something forbidden or unlawful.

In legal and policy contexts, licit activities are those conducted within legal frameworks, often subject to licensing, taxation, or regulation. Examples include the licit sale of alcohol and tobacco under licensing regimes, the distribution of prescription medications by licensed professionals, and regulated financial transactions.

The term is commonly used in drug policy: licit drugs are those legally manufactured and sold under regulation, such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, or pharmaceutical drugs, while illicit drugs are illegal or unregulated.

A substance can be licit yet hazardous; licit status does not guarantee safety and may be accompanied by restrictions, taxation, and controls.

Etymologically, licit comes from Latin licitus, while illicit comes from Latin illicitus, both historically tied to permission and prohibition. Related terms include legality, regulation, and licensing.