Hey, what’s this basket for?

Written by, Loren N.

The monies collected during our Seventh Tradition ultimately goes to carrying the message of Marijuana Anonymous, not only locally, but worldwide. When this is hampered, the addict is the one who suffers or dies.

Most of us figured that the basket money went to rent, literature, coffee, and cookies. Whatever was left over would go to the district or World Services to pay their expenses, etc. Well folks, the “etc.” is carrying the message, and the message needs our combined support.

Let’s face it, the dollar cost of recovery is active addiction in MA is CHEAP! Under four hundred bucks a year if you go to a meeting every day and put a dollar is the basket. That wouldn’t buy you four sessions with a shrink. That wouldn’t have kept you loaded for a (check one) __ day, __ week, __ month. Think about how much you used to spend on insanity.

So please remember that our donations go far beyond just paying the rent. They save lives! So when the basket comes around and you’re clean, go ahead and double up or do whatever you can. And of course, if you’re clean and sober, you should just naturally pop the two bucks in the basket – one for each. 

Published in A New Leaf – June 1991

  • Surfing The Craving Waves

    Twenty-seven days clean, the ice is cracking and the body remembers how to come back.

    Surfing The Craving Waves
  • The Wisdom of the Tree

    The Divine Wisdom of the Tree Nature’s Lessons in Letting Go Written by, Melon W. I’m admiring the beauty of the pear tree in our yard. She’s in full bloom, strong petals cleaving tightly to their mother until it’s time to take flight and spread a light coating of perfumed snowflakes. As the wind whips…

    The Wisdom of the Tree
  • Heard in a Meeting

    “Change comes from desperation or inspiration.” Published in A New Leaf – October 2026

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Before You

    Written by, Elizabeth D. God, I lay my life before you, Grant me inner faith. Me, the denier, The exempt Serenity unknown. To You, I turn— Accept what you lay before me. The will of self-imposed pain… Things that will be relieved. I will learn a new freedom, Cannot fathom the light I will see.…

    Before You
  • Let Go and Let God

    Painted by, Tonya C. Caption: This is a painting I did on a pallet to remind me to let go and let God every day! Published in A New Leaf – October 2026

    Let Go and Let God
  • Life with Hope – MA Anthem

    Written and Performed by, Netta T. Listen to the song: ANLP12.org/Life-with-Hope-song I’m sick of suffering Kicked to death by a thousand bunnies Feels like my life is trash And every day’s the same Wake and bake And play another game Of hide and seek with my stash I need some help to clean this mess…

    Life with Hope – MA Anthem