Marijuana Anonymous (MA)

What Is Marijuana Anonymous?

Marijuana Anonymous is a support group and 12-step program, modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but designed for individuals addicted to marijuana and cannabis. MA uses a 12-step program because it has proven to be effective in many other substance abuse programs.

The MA program is nondenominational and focuses on spiritual growth rather than a specific deity or religion. They believe keeping an open mind and a hopeful heart can aid in recovery and sobriety.

The MA program aims to use resources and support to free individuals from their addictive tendencies and dependence on marijuana. MA members regard each other as peers, sponsors, and friends, and all are welcome to join and spiritually grow and mature together.

History of Marijuana Anonymous

Marijuana Anonymous was founded in 1989 when several different marijuana support groups across the country decided to join forces and collaborate, making an official group for all those struggling with marijuana and cannabis addiction.

Many of them felt unwelcome and belittled in other 12-step programs and support groups because people would claim marijuana wasn’t addictive or would be using marijuana in place of more hardcore drugs, which was unhelpful for them.

In the following years, MA has grown exponentially, and its literature and message of hope continue to spread with over 300 weekly meetings across the globe.

Core Principles of Marijuana Anonymous

MA uses their own literature outside of the 12-step AA program that is tailored to marijuana addicts specifically and their unique needs and goals.

One of their more popular pieces of literature is a book called Life with Hope which is for current marijuana users, newcomers, or anyone looking to learn more about the effects of marijuana on a person’s life. Life with Hope explains the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of MA and shares personal stories from members. There are currently more than 11,000 copies of the first edition in circulation worldwide.

In the 12th step of MA, “these principles” are referenced to practice while working the 12 steps and growing into their new way of life free from marijuana. The core principles of MA include honesty, hope, faith, courage, integrity, willingness, humility, love and forgiveness, justice, perseverance, spiritual awareness, and service. These principles are to be implemented to encourage better mental health and a more fulfilling way of life.

MA emphasizes the core values of anonymity, inclusivity, mutual support, and complete abstinence from all mind-altering substances. MA requires practicing rigorous honesty and opening of minds and hearts to allow for spiritual awakening on the road to recovery.

The Twelve Steps of Marijuana Anonymous

Marijuana Anonymous has adapted 12 steps much like those of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, but made with marijuana and cannabis addicts in mind. Members are encouraged to adopt these steps and let go of their old way of living to achieve spiritual awakening, which they believe is essential to recovery.

1. We admitted we were powerless over marijuana, that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood God.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to marijuana addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Marijuana Anonymous Meetings

Marijuana Anonymous meetings are diverse in their formats and meeting structure, but all are free of charge and offer a warm and welcoming environment for newcomers and long-time members alike. Meetings may be open for all, including friends and loved ones, or closed for addicts only.

What Can I Expect at a MA Meeting?

MA meetings vary in their structure and focus. Some meetings emphasize discussion or literature readings, while others invite speakers to come and educate attendees or share their stories for hope and inspiration.

Anonymity is said to be the foundation of MA, and anything shared in meetings will stay there, fostering an environment of safety and security. Fellowship is important and often takes place after meetings, offering a time to get to know other members and find a sponsor.

Meetings are available for many different groups, focuses, or interests, including meetings for beginners, LGBTQ, meditation, outdoors, persons of color, wheelchair accessible, etc. so everyone can find a group where they feel comfortable.

MA has its own approved literature and utilizes it in its meetings and curriculum. Some examples include “Living Every Day With Hope” Daily Reflections Book, various pamphlets and workbooks, Life with Hope book, and their member stories project, all available on their website.

How Can I Find a Marijuana Anonymous Meeting?

When finding a Marijuana Anonymous meeting, you can use their Meeting Finder and apply preferences for type and location. Meetings are held in-person, over the phone, or online via Zoom, or a combination of formats. Regardless of your location, resources, or needs, there is a meeting for you.

The MA website also has a page for newcomers with FAQ’s and information to get informed and involved.

Looking for Support? Marijuana Anonymous Can Help

If you or a loved one needs help or support for marijuana abuse or addiction, Marijuana Anonymous is a great place to start. You can call or text 1 (800) 766-6779 or email [email protected] for questions, or visit https://marijuana-anonymous.org/ to learn more.

Reading Life with Hope – Marijuana Anonymous is another way to get started and learn about the MA lifestyle and encourage recovery and sobriety.

Consider attending a meeting locally or virtually to connect with others who have similar struggles and can offer guidance and support on your journey to a marijuana free life.

Written by

Jessica Miller

Editorial Director

Jessica Miller is the Editorial Director of Addiction Help. Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with an English degree and combines her writing expertise and passion for helping others to deliver reliable information to those impacted by addiction. Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica's empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community.

Reviewed by

• Fact-Checked
• Editor

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O.

Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.