Q: Can a past medical marijuana card affect bar eligibility in California or any state?

A: You're overthinking this (as many attorneys tend to do) and making your life very difficult. Take a deep breath. You will be just fine. An expired medical marijuana card won't be a blip on the Bar's radar.

Looking forward to your joining the profession.

A: You will not be denied admission in California merely because you previously held a medical marijuana card. The moral character review focuses on honesty, criminal conduct, financial responsibility, and any substance use that demonstrably impairs judgment. With no arrests or proceedings and an expired card, your history does not, by itself, signal unfitness.

Across other states, bar authorities evaluate whether your conduct was lawful where and when it occurred and whether it reflects on your current fitness. Ongoing illegal use in a state where marijuana remains unlawful can raise concerns, but past lawful medical use rarely controls the outcome. Candor on the application and a clean record carry far more weight than the fact that you once held a card.

Answer every question truthfully, and if asked about prior marijuana use or cards, disclose it plainly and without defensiveness. Keep documentation that you have no arrests or dependency treatment and that the card has expired, and be prepared to explain that your use was medical, responsible, and not continuing where prohibited. Avoid any present conduct that could independently trigger concern, such as impaired driving or unlawful possession.