Dear Central Office

AA Cleveland District Office does not dictate policy to AA groups or individuals. However, we can provide resources and information to help groups and individuals make informed decisions; both through group conscience and in sponsorship. The following is a message this office received through our website that we felt was a pertinent topic for Central Bulletin.

AA Member: A homegroup member is eating THC edibles and says a doctor prescribed them. They want to chair meetings and have a service position. Some feel they are not sober if eating edibles. Their sponsor (not a homegroup member) says they can chair and lead. Could you provide feedback and literature on this subject?

AA Cleveland District Office: In Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and many other recovery communities, sobriety is generally defined as complete abstinence from mind-altering substances,  including marijuana — even if it’s prescribed.

However, there are some nuances:

• Medical context: If someone is using marijuana strictly under the care of a licensed physician for a legitimate medical condition, they may view themselves as sober. But within many 12-step circles, this is often still seen as a gray area, especially if the medication affects mood, mind, or behavior.
• Group/individual interpretations vary: Some people and A.A. groups are more flexible, while others hold to a stricter definition of sobriety.
• Spiritual and program integrity: In A.A., the focus is not only on physical sobriety but also on honesty and spiritual growth. Members are encouraged to be honest with themselves and others about what substances they’re using and why.

So, while a doctor’s prescription may provide a medical justification, in traditional A.A. terms, many would not consider someone using marijuana (even with a prescription) to be fully sober. It’s left up to the individual and their sponsor to work through what that means in their recovery.

As far as this person becoming a chairperson of your meeting, that would be a group conscious decision.

“On sensitive issues, the group works slowly—discouraging formal motions until a clear sense of its collective view emerges. Placing principles before personalities, the membership is wary of dominant opinions. Its voice is heard when a well-informed group arrives at a decision. The result rests on more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ count—precisely because it is the spiritual expression of the group conscience. The term ‘informed group conscience’ implies that pertinent information has been studied and all views have been heard before the group votes. (Pamphlet, “The A.A. Group” – Pages 28-29)

In other words, a group conscience decision is a collective decision made by an A.A. group through discussion and voting, guided by the group’s shared sense of purpose and spiritual principles rather than personal opinions or individual agendas.

Here’s what it means in simple terms:

• Group conscience is how an A.A. group makes important decisions — like choosing meeting formats, handling money, or electing trusted servants.
• It reflects the collective will of the group, ideally reached with thoughtful discussion, informed by A.A.’s Traditions, and often guided by the spirit of unity and humility.
• All members have a voice, and decisions are made democratically — often by majority or substantial unanimity (like two-thirds vote).

It’s different from a simple vote because the goal is not just majority rule — it’s to reach a decision that best serves the group’s primary purpose: to help alcoholics achieve sobriety.

Tradition ten states that “Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinions on outside issues…” and the often-mentioned phrase, “singleness of purpose” tell us that Marijuana use is outside the purview of AA. That does not mean that groups cannot decide, through a well-informed group conscious, to set a policy for it’s group.

Two pamphlets that would provide good information on this issue at the group level are “The A.A. Member – Medications & Other Drugs” and “The A.A. Group”. Both of which are available at Cleveland District Office or a pdf can be obtained online from the GSO website.