Who Is Eligible to Join Marijuana Anonymous District 12?

Updated

The only requirement for membership in Marijuana Anonymous District 12 is a desire to stop using marijuana. District 12 serves Marin and Sonoma Counties in California, and its meetings are open to anyone who meets that single condition — there are no dues or fees, no religious affiliation, and no application process.

The Single Membership Requirement

Marijuana Anonymous states plainly that "the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana." That means:

  • You do not need to be sober for any length of time before attending.
  • You do not need a formal diagnosis or referral.
  • You do not need to commit to anything beyond showing up.

If you are questioning whether your marijuana use is a problem, you still qualify. The desire to stop is the threshold, not proof that you already have.

Who District 12 Serves

District 12 covers Marin and Sonoma Counties and hosts meetings on many days of the week. The district describes itself as welcoming to "all recovering potheads," and its materials emphasize a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Beyond weekly 12-step meetings, District 12 holds a monthly district meeting where Group Service Representatives (GSRs) from each weekly meeting coordinate how best to serve those groups. Service at either level — weekly or monthly — is described as a key part of staying clean from marijuana.

What MA Does Not Require or Represent

MA is not affiliated with any religious or secular institution or organization, and it holds no opinion on outside controversies or causes. Practically, this means:

  • No religious belief or practice is required to participate.
  • No political or organizational loyalty is expected.
  • The fellowship is self-supporting through members' own contributions rather than dues or fees.

The program uses the basic 12 Steps of Recovery founded by Alcoholics Anonymous, which MA describes as proven to work. MA World Services provides further detail on how the 12-Step program applies specifically to marijuana addiction.

How to Take the Next Step

If you meet the single requirement — a desire to stop using marijuana — you can:

  1. Find a meeting through the District 12 meetings page to check the status of a meeting near you.
  2. Attend an online meeting via MA World Services at https://marijuana-anonymous.org/find-a-meeting/.
  3. Join the monthly District 12 meeting, held on the second Tuesday of every month at 5:45 PM PST. These meetings are currently virtual only, via Zoom: meeting number 876 1445 2808, or https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87614452808.
  4. Try phone meetings through ma-phone.org.
  5. Contact District 12 by text or call at 707-861-8168, or use the email form on the site.

Common Points of Uncertainty

"I'm not sure I'm an addict." The requirement is a desire to stop, not a label. You can attend and decide for yourself.

"Do I have to live in Marin or Sonoma?" District 12's meetings serve those counties, but MA World Services lists online and phone meetings that are not geographically limited.

"Is there a cost?" No dues or fees are charged for membership. The fellowship is self-supporting through voluntary contributions.

"Is it religious?" No. MA is not affiliated with any religious or secular institution and takes no position on outside controversies.