MA, as such, ought never be organized, but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
At first glance Tradition Nine appears to be in contradiction with itself. On the one hand, it says MA ought never be organized. On the other hand, it says we can create service boards or committees. MA is not like other organizations because we have no rules or regulations, no fees or dues. We do, however, have spiritual principles suggested in our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
We do not enforce these traditions as if they were rules. We do not expel or banish members for nonconformity. We do not order newcomers to do anything. The advice of a more experienced member to a newcomer is a suggestion, not a command. Addicts must not be dictated to, either individually or collectively. The Twelve Traditions are suggestions for behavior of the group, just as the Twelve Steps are suggestions for recovery of the individual.
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.