Marijuana Anonymous Hospitals and Institutions

Our Purpose

The primary purpose of the World Services Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) Committee is to carry the Marijuana Anonymous (MA) message of recovery, as stated in Tradition Five, to individuals who are confined, restricted, or otherwise unable to attend an MA Twelve Step meeting.

Many times, an H&I meeting is the first introduction to Marijuana Anonymous that many inmates, clients, or patients receive. Therefore, the message of recovery through the Twelve Steps must be informative, clear, concise, positive, and solution-oriented.

Unveiling Our Story

group of people at the beach jumping up with their arms in the air in celebration

H&I can carry MA’s message to treatment centers, recovery houses, mental health facilities, chemical dependency units, prisons, or other institutions. The activities of all H&I committees are based on, and governed by, the Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts for Service of MA. Each H&I committee is autonomous and may find that their area of service differs according to their situation.

We have a large fellowship of members and groups who can address any questions and concerns. Whether you are inquiring about a specific meeting i.e., affinity group, or want resources to facilitate a panel discussion at a correctional institute, hospital, or sober living facility. The MA H&I trustee has the resources to fulfill MA’s primary purpose encompassed in the fifth tradition.

“The fellowship of MA showed me that change was possible, and that I didn’t have to be afraid of letting go of my old ideas. Being of service showed me that I could make a positive difference in other people’s lives, and enjoy doing it.”

Carrying the message and “How it Works”

The H&I Handbook serves as a guideline to all H&I committees throughout MA and offers support to MA members interested in this type of rewarding service. Whether at the group, region, or district level, H&I service is a responsibility that has many facets, to which the most important are:

The patients, inmates, or groups within a facility, or whoever might be addressed during an H&I meeting.
The hospital or institution visited, showing courtesy and compliance with its policies, ever conscious of our 6th Tradition of cooperation rather than affiliation.
The fellowship of Marijuana Anonymous, respectfully
The most common type of H&I service carried into a facility is a Panel Meeting. This is when an appointed Secretary will invite two or three MA members to share in front of participants who attend or live at a facility. Usually, after the speakers have addressed the audience, the Secretary opens the meeting for sharing and Q&A. Variations on this format could include meetings that have one speaker, discuss a topic, study one of the 12 Steps, or incorporate meditation.
H&I service is an opportunity for us to practice Step Twelve, and to embody the MA Traditions. We are both privileged and responsible to be of service in this way.

Contact Us for Inquiries and Support

Facilities:

If you are interested in hosting an H&I panel meeting and would like additional support and information on how to obtain resources such as literature, Pamphlets, and flyers for your facility. Don’t hesitate to contact the MA H&I Trustee to request a panel for your facility.

“When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of MA to be there; and for that, I am responsible!”

H&I Panel Meeting Starter Kit request form

Facility Name*
Facility Location*
Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Facility Phone Number*
Facility Staff Point of Contact for Hosting the Panel*
Prefix First Last
Staff Email*
Staff Phone Number*
If you are filling out this form on behalf of the staff or facility what is your name?
First Last (initial only is acceptable)
Your email
Your phone number
Materials Requested
Emailed Material
- Select All
- All MA Pamphlets
- H&I Handbook (with sample scripts and readings)
Mailed Materials (to be included in the facility library)
- Select All
- Life with Hope, basic text books (2)
- Life with Hope Workbook (1)
Mailing Address (to receive mailed materials, if different from above)
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Please include any questions, concerns, etc.