Get help today 888-341-7785 or sign up for 24/7 text support.
American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Marijuana Anonymous Meetings Near Me, Hotline Number, and MA Alternatives

After alcohol and tobacco, marijuana (weed) is the most commonly used addictive drug in the United States.1 The push to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes has resulted in a growing industry. Despite the perceived value of marijuana, however, more than 14 million people had a past-year marijuana use disorder in 2020.2

One way people have found support for marijuana use is through Marijuana Anonymous (MA). MA is a self-help group based on the 12-Step model of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that provides support for people with marijuana use disorder. Research suggests that self-help groups that follow this model may supplement and support addiction treatment as an aftercare resource.3

What Is Marijuana Use Disorder?

Frequently using marijuana can lead to problematic use, known as marijuana use disorder (also known as cannabis use disorder). In severe cases, this can take the form of addiction.4 Marijuana use disorder is diagnosed based on an individual meeting any two of the below criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) within a 12-month period:5

  • Using more marijuana than was originally intended.
  • Inability to lessen marijuana use despite a desire to do so.
  • Spending a lot of time and resources obtaining, using, and recovering from marijuana.
  • Craving or experiencing a strong desire to use marijuana.
  • Inability to fulfill obligations at home, school, or work due to marijuana use.
  • Continuing to use marijuana despite negative interpersonal or social effects.
  • Using marijuana in physically hazardous situations, such as driving.
  • Continuing to use marijuana despite knowledge of having recurrent physical or psychological problems that are likely linked to or worsened by heroin use.
  • Forgoing occupational, recreational, or social activities due to marijuana use.
  • Needing to use more marijuana to experience the same effects.
  • Showing signs of physical withdrawal when not using marijuana.

What Is Marijuana Anonymous?

Marijuana Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who share their experience, hope, and strength to help others recover from marijuana addiction.6 MA uses the 12-Step approach and the only requirement to join is a desire to stop using marijuana.6

At MA meetings, members often discuss their experiences with marijuana use.7 MA meetings often have different formats and may vary by chapter, but you can expect to hear from guest speakers and spend time discussing and studying the 12 Steps and other relevant literature. 7 Anonymity is the foundation of MA, so you can expect full confidentiality and privacy when attending a meeting. 7

MA is similar to AA and other self-help groups that follow the 12-Step approach. Research into the effectiveness of groups like AA and MA shows higher rates of abstinence among people who attend a 12-Step group as opposed to people who do not.8

What Are the 12 Steps of Marijuana Anonymous?

At the heart of Marijuana Anonymous are the 12 Steps. These are based upon the idea that one is powerless over the use of a substance and that a greater power can help a person recover. The 12 Steps of MA are:9

  1. We admitted we were powerless over marijuana, that our lives had become unmanageable.
  2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
  3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood God.
  4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
  5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
  6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
  7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
  8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
  9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
  10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
  11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.
  12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to marijuana addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

How to Find Marijuana Anonymous Meetings Near Me

There are Marijuana Anonymous meetings daily worldwide. You can find MA meetings near you by using the Find a Meeting search tool. Simply input your location to find local meetings. You can search by day of the week to find a meeting that works with your schedule. You can also filter meetings by other preferences you may have such as LGBTQI, persons of color, and more.

Are There Virtual Weed Anonymous Meetings?

Yes, Marijuana Anonymous offers virtual meetings, which can be a good option for those who cannot attend in-person meetings or prefer to attend meetings online. When using the Find a Meeting search tool, you will see an option to search for ‘Online’ meetings.

If you are looking for alternatives to virtual MA meetings, American Addiction Centers (AAC) hosts a weekly virtual support meeting you can join.

Alternative Programs to Marijuana Anonymous Near Me

Marijuana Anonymous and other 12-Step groups can offer an added layer of support in maintaining sobriety. However, MA may not be ideal for everyone. You may decide you want to join a group more aligned with your specific needs, such as AA. Or you may decide you need a structured marijuana addiction rehab treatment program.

12-Step programs are popular, but alternative approaches exist too. Some alternatives to MA include:

  • LifeRing: An abstinence-based group that provides recovery conversation in a safe space.
  • Moderation Management: A national support group that helps individuals concerned with their drinking habits make positive lifestyle changes.
  • SMART Recovery: Offers an approach that emphasizes evidence-based practices and follows a model that does not involve spirituality.
  • SOS: Emphasizes taking responsibility for one’s actions and uses a scientific approach to recovery.
  • Women for Sobriety: An abstinence-based group of women helping other women in recovery.

Marijuana Anonymous Hotline and Addiction Helpline Numbers

Whether you are looking for a Marijuana Anonymous hotline or other addiction helpline numbers, you can use the following contact information for support:

Does My Insurance Cover Marijuana Addiction Rehab?

When searching for rehabs near me, understanding how you will pay for it is likely top of mind. The good news is that insurance typically covers some of if not all, the cost of marijuana addiction rehab. Knowing what is and is not covered will give you peace of mind. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card or check your insurance coverage online by filling out the form below.

Getting Help for Marijuana Addiction

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment. AAC is dedicated to helping individuals struggling with addiction achieve and maintain sobriety. We have facilities across the U.S. that incorporate the 12-Steps into treatment, including:

  • Greenhouse Treatment Center, in Grand Prairie, Texas, offers individualized treatment plans and several levels of care in a luxurious setting with high-end amenities.
  • Laguna Treatment Center, in Laguna Beach, California, provides treatment in a secure, supportive environment. 
  • Oxford Treatment Center, in Etta, Mississippi, provides high-quality addiction treatment in a natural, serene environment. 
  • River Oaks Treatment Center, in Riverview, Florida, provides high-quality drug and alcohol addiction treatment including detox, inpatient and outpatient therapy, telehealth, and more.
  • AdCare Hospital, with different locations in the state, offers high-quality addiction treatment in a secure environment.
  • AdCare Rhode Island, has various locations in Rhode Island and offers addiction treatment in a range of settings.
  • Desert Hope Treatment Center, in Las Vegas, Nevada, provides individualized rehabilitation treatment.
  • Recovery First Treatment Center, in Hollywood, Florida, offers high-quality addiction treatment in a serene setting.

If you are looking to learn more about marijuana addiction treatment, AAC is here to help. You can contact us at for more information or to start the admissions process if you’re ready. Calling is confidential and free and there is no obligation to enter treatment.

Was this page helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.

Your feedback is important to us and will be used to improve the quality of our articles. Please do not use this form as a contact form or input personal information. If you are in crisis or need immediate help dial 9-1-1. Or if you are interested in entering treatment and want to know more, call us at 888-341-7785

Helpline Information
for immediate assistance.

(0/100)

While we are unable to respond to your feedback directly, we'll use this information to improve our content. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and need help, call us at 888-341-7785

Helpline Information
for immediate assistance.