An MA meeting agenda is the list of topics, speakers, and business items that guides a Marijuana Anonymous meeting from start to finish. Most MA groups follow a simple, rotating structure that keeps the meeting focused, inclusive, and on time, and this article explains that structure and how to adapt it.
What Is Marijuana Anonymous?
Marijuana Anonymous (MA) is a twelve-step fellowship for people who want to stop using marijuana and live a life free from addiction. It is not affiliated with any political, religious, or law-enforcement organization. Meetings are free and open to anyone with a desire to stop using marijuana, and they are run by volunteers who share their experience, strength, and hope.
The MA program is based on the same twelve steps and twelve traditions as Alcoholics Anonymous, but adapted specifically for marijuana addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. There are no dues or fees, and the fellowship is supported by voluntary contributions.
Why an Agenda Matters in MA Meetings
An agenda keeps the meeting predictable and safe. Many people in early recovery struggle with anxiety, and knowing what comes next reduces stress. It also ensures that everyone who wants to share gets a chance, that business items are handled fairly, and that the meeting ends on time.
Without an agenda, meetings can drift into long monologues, side conversations, or unresolved group decisions. A clear structure protects the group’s primary purpose: helping members stay clean.
Standard MA Meeting Agenda Structure
While individual groups can adapt, most MA meetings follow a similar flow. Here is a typical example:
- Welcome and opening: The chairperson welcomes everyone, reads the MA preamble, and asks for a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer.
- Introductions: Members introduce themselves by first name. Often the chair asks, “Is anyone here for the first time?” and welcomes newcomers.
- Reading of the Twelve Steps and Traditions: These are read aloud, often by different volunteers each week.
- Speaker or topic: A member shares their story, or the chair selects a topic related to recovery. Some meetings use cards with recovery topics.
- Sharing: Members take turns sharing on the topic or on their own experience. The chair keeps time so everyone has a chance.
- Basket and announcements: A basket is passed for voluntary contributions, and any group announcements are made.
- Closing: The chair reads the MA closing, and the group joins hands for the “Just for Today” or another closing prayer.
Meetings typically last 60 to 90 minutes. The chairperson is usually a volunteer who serves for a set period, such as three or six months.
How to Create an MA Meeting Agenda
If you are starting a new MA meeting or updating an existing one, follow these steps:
- Decide the meeting format. Will it be speaker, topic, or book study? A speaker meeting might have a longer share (10–15 minutes) and shorter open sharing.
- Set a time limit for each segment. For a 60-minute meeting, you might allow 5 minutes for opening, 10 minutes for readings, 20 minutes for the speaker, and 20 minutes for sharing.
- Assign roles. You need a chairperson, someone to read the steps, someone to read the traditions, and a treasurer to handle the basket.
- Write it down. Post the agenda on the wall or print it on cards so the chair can follow it.
- Review and adapt. Ask the group for feedback. Some meetings add a “check-in” round or a moment for anniversaries.
Remember, the agenda is a guide, not a straitjacket. If someone is in crisis, the chair can pause the agenda to offer support.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Even with an agenda, meetings can face challenges:
- Cross-talk: MA discourages commenting on another person’s share. The chair can gently remind members to speak only about their own experience.
- Dominating speakers: If one person talks too long, the chair can say, “Thank you, let’s hear from someone who hasn’t shared yet.”
- Late arrivals: Some groups pause the agenda for a few minutes to let latecomers settle in, or they simply continue and welcome them at the next break.
- Uncomfortable silences: In small meetings, silence can feel long. The chair can have a list of recovery questions to prompt discussion.
Template for an MA Meeting Agenda
Meeting Name: ______________________
Date: ______________ Chairperson: ______________
| Time | Item | Who |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 min | Welcome and preamble | Chair |
| 5–10 min | Moment of silence, Serenity Prayer | All |
| 10–20 min | Readings (Steps, Traditions) | Volunteers |
| 20–25 min | Introductions / Newcomers | All |
| 25–45 min | Speaker or topic | Speaker/Chair |
| 45–60 min | Sharing | All |
| 60–65 min | Basket, announcements | Treasurer |
| 65–70 min | Closing | Chair |
Sample filled in: Meeting Name: “Clean & Free” – Date: March 4, 2025 – Chairperson: Jamie L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a member to attend an MA meeting?
No. Anyone with a desire to stop using marijuana is welcome. You don’t need to register, pay, or speak if you don’t want to. You can just listen.
What if I don’t agree with the religious parts?
MA is spiritual, not religious. The Serenity Prayer and the concept of a “higher power” can be interpreted in many ways. Many members use the group itself as their higher power. You are free to take what works and leave the rest.
How long is a typical MA meeting?
Most in-person meetings run 60 to 90 minutes. Online meetings may be shorter, often 45 to 60 minutes. The agenda is adjusted to fit the time.
Can I start a new MA meeting?
Yes. MA encourages members to start new meetings. You can find guidelines on the official MA website, but you don’t need permission. You just need a location, a time, and a commitment to the format.
What should I do if I feel uncomfortable sharing?
You can pass. No one is forced to share. Many people listen for several meetings before speaking. The chair can help by saying, “You can just say your name if you like.”
Final Thoughts on MA Meeting Agendas
An MA meeting agenda is a simple tool that creates structure and safety. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned member, understanding the agenda helps you participate fully. If you are chairing, use the template above and adapt it to your group’s needs. The most important thing is that the meeting helps people stay clean and find support.