Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or MA as a whole.
Tradition Four is a specific application of the general principles outlined in Traditions One and Two. Tradition Four states that every group has the right of self-government undertaken without outside control. Every group can manage itself exactly as it pleases, except where MA as a whole is affected. This means that MA has the courage and faith to allow each group to make its own decisions. In essence, each group is its own individual entity, relying on the group conscience as guided by a loving God to direct its actions.
Groups have a right to make their own mistakes. There are only two boundaries that any group must not cross: 1) A group must not do anything that would affect other groups or MA as a whole; and 2) A group cannot affiliate itself with anything or anybody else. In all other respects the groups have complete autonomy.
This is only an excerpt. Our Book, “Life With Hope”, contains the full text and much more.
You can purchase it at A New Leaf Publications
Also recommended: The Marijuana Anonymous App – Available on the Apple App Store for iPhones and on Google Play for Android phones.