Getting Started with Metrc
When can I get access to the Metrc System?
All licensees are now able to start being credentialed into the Metrc system.
What steps do I need to take to gain access into the Metrc system?
To get credentialed into the Metrc system, The STS Administrator for your business must take the following steps:
- Go to Metrc Learn
- Complete the new user registration form.
Note: When signing up, please include your OCM license number and indicate that you are the administrator for the account as illustrated below. This step is critical for Metrc’s system to know that you are the administrator needing to be credentialed for your business.
- Complete the New York New Business Fundamentals training (in Metrc Learn).
- Metrc’s credentialing team will verify your details with OCM.
- You’ll receive your credentialing email granting access (you will need to log in to Metrc within 72 hours of receiving this email); The email will come from [email protected].
- If you do NOT receive this automatic email, please email [email protected] for further assistance.
Must I get credentialed with Metrc even if I’m not operational?
Yes. The individual designated as the STS Administrator will receive credentials to complete initial set up and manage the licensee account within Metrc.
You may designate yourself, or your compliance manager or anyone else you choose to act as your STS administrator to set up your business in Metrc. You are free to change the STS administrator later if needed.
Per regulations, you must utilize an inventory tracking system capable of integrating with the Office’s STS tracking system. To be compliant with this requirement, you must get credentialed in Metrc.
There is no monthly cost to access the Metrc system or maintain Metrc credentials.
To become credentialed into the Metrc system:
- A business owner or administrator must complete the New York New Business Fundamentals Training in Metrc Learn.
- After completing the training, Metrc’s credentialing team will send login credentials.
- The designated administrator must log in and set up the business account, then add additional employees as needed.
Note: If you are not currently operational, you must then note that you are not operational within Metrc through a feature called Operational Exception.
Instructions regarding the Operational Exception process can be found here.
Do Processor Type 3 Branding (PT3B) licenses need to be credentialed in Metrc?
No. PT3B license types do not need to be credentialed in Metrc as they do not have authorization to process or handle cannabis. A licensed processor that is authorized to touch cannabis and their employees must be responsible for tracking all inventory at the licensed processor facility.
Do Provisional Licensees need to be credentialed in Metrc?
No. Provisional licensees are not eligible to be credentialed in Metrc and are not authorized possess cannabis products.
Training & Learning the System
Will there be training?
Yes. Metrc held in-person event(s) to introduce the company and answer questions. These events to were held across the state from November 3, 2025-November 7, 2025. For those who were unable to attend in person, Metrc has made available a recording of the roadshow that can be viewed here: New York Roadshow.
Metrc also hosted two 1-hour webinars for Testing Facilities and Third-Party Integrators before the in-person roadshows. Recording links can be found below:
Comprehensive training through the on-demand platform, Metrc Learn is also available. Metrc Learn offers 100+ self-paced, interactive lessons tailored for function-specific content.
Where can I learn more about Metrc?
You can visit the New York Metrc page to learn more about Metrc and their role as the State’s track-and-trace provider. Additionally, on Metrc.com you will find helpful resources such as blogs, case studies, and guides about Metrc’s system and services. The New York Partner page also houses the latest updates, announcements, and training materials specifically for New York licensees.
Where can I find training materials to learn more about how to use Metrc?
Metrc’s training program includes a robust catalog of courses tailored to the unique responsibilities of both regulators and licensees. These courses are designed to ensure every user—regardless of role or experience level—is equipped with the practical knowledge and tools needed to navigate the Metrc System confidently and compliantly.
Metrc's training tools include:
- Metrc Learn: 100+ self-paced, interactive lessons tailored for function-specific content. Also provides certifications and analytics.
- Metrc Expert: Embedded, function-specific knowledge base with intelligent automation offering real-time answers to questions and links to training and support resources.
- Metrc Sandbox: A secure, non-production environment—separate from the agency testing or live Production environment—for practice and experimentation.
What type of support does Metrc offer?
Metrc provides several support options to help licensees with all software functionality questions and requests. The Metrc Expert knowledge base offers a comprehensive self-help library available 24/7.
If you need additional assistance, credentialed users can contact the Metrc Support Team through the Support Portal at support.metrc.com or by calling 877-566-6506 during business hours.
UID Tags: Ordering, Using & Managing
How do I obtain complimentary UIDs (and associated tags or QR codes) provided by OCM?
Metrc will apply an allotment credit to the plant, package, or retail item UIDs for each license based on the activity that uses the largest amount of UIDs for each license type. Licensees should order the full amount of their complimentary UIDs immediately as they do not expire and can be used at any time.
To access your complimentary UIDs, provided by OCM, the designated STS Administrator for your business should:
- Log into the Metrc system
- Set up your business within Metrc
- Order all of the complimentary tags that you are eligible for at one time. (See the list below for the number and type of UIDs provided at no cost based on your license type.)
- At check out, click “Check or Money Order” for your payment method. This will alert Metrc that the order should process as a complimentary order.
Due to some differences in the way inventory is tracked in the Metrc system, the number of UIDs distributed to processors has been increased from previous communications.
Credits towards complimentary inventory UIDs will be distributed as follows:
- Licensed Cultivators 2500 Plant UIDs
- Licensed Processors 2500 Item UIDs
- Licensed Microbusinesses 750 Item UIDs
- Licensed AU Distributors 750 Package UIDs
- Registered organizations (ROs) 3250 Item UIDs
When the initial account credit has been exhausted, licensees must purchase inventory tags from Metrc at a cost of $0.10 per UID.
Please review the Metrc Plant and Package Tracking Guide to help you prepare for the upcoming integration.
Can I switch the type of complimentary tags provided?
No. Complimentary tags are issued based on the activity that uses the largest amount of UIDs for each license type.
Can I request that my complimentary tags be issued for a different licensed location? For example, I received complimentary plant tags for a location used as storage/waste.
No. Complimentary tags are issued per location based on license type. If you don’t currently perform that activity at that location, order your complimentary tags anyway as they do not expire and can be used for future activities.
Is there a limit to how much product can be assigned to a Metrc Package UID?
Yes, no more than one container, not heavier than 100 pounds, per Metrc tag. A single Package UID cannot represent more than 100 pounds of product within one container. If product is stored across multiple containers (for example, multiple containers within a batch or lot), each individual container must have its own Package UID physically attached.
Can one Package UID be used to transfer multiple containers from a distributor to a dispensary if the contents of each container are all from the same batch or lot?
No. Each individual container that is sent from a distribution facility to a dispensing facility MUST have its own Package ID physically attached to the container, even if multiple containers have units from the same batch or lot.
I operate my business at multiple approved locations and am approved for different activities under one OCM license number. How is that reflected in Metrc?
In New York, a single OCM license number may be issued for multiple locations. Each location may be approved for different activities—cultivation, processing, distribution dispensing. In Metrc, each NY license is assigned a suffix to indicate the approved activities at each location. The purpose of this is to ensure that cannabis products are tested prior to reaching the consumer and are accurately tracked for regulatory and reporting purposes.
Examples:
- C – Cultivator
- P – Processor
- D – Dispensary
- DX – Distributor
- Multiple locations will include a number (e.g., C1, C2)
How your licenses may appear in Metrc: OCM-MICR-00-000000 — OCM-issued license number
How this license may appear in Metrc:
- OCM-MICR-00-000000-C1 — Cultivation, Location 1
- OCM-MICR-00-000000-D1 — Retail Dispensary, Location 1
- OCM-MICR-00-000000-DX1 — Distributing, Location 1
- OCM-MICR-00-000000-P1 — Processing, Location 1
- OCM-MICR-00-000000-C2 – Cultivation, Location 2
- OCM-MICR-00-000000-P2 – Processing, Location 2
If I operate multiple approved locations under one license number, must I order physical UIDs specific to each location? For example, if one of my licensed locations is identified in Metrc as OCM-CULT-24-000000-C1 will the physical tags shipped for that location indicate “-C1”?
Yes. Licensees with multiple locations should ensure that they are ordering physical UIDs using the license number for the specific location as it appears in Metrc. Physical UIDs purchased using the license number for one location are not interchangeable with another licensed location.
At what stage must I assign a unique identifier (UID) number to individual cannabis plants?
Individual plants must be assigned a UID when an immature plant becomes a vegging plant. Prior to that, they can be grouped into immature plant batches, with each plant batch being assigned a digital UID.
Immature plants are seedlings, clones, or tissue cultures.
- Due to the high rate of loss at this stage, cultivators may group immature plants of the same cultivar (strain) into a plant batch and assign an immature plant batch name virtually in Metrc. Then, physically notate the immature plant batch name on the corresponding batch of immature plants.
- A plant batch shall contain no more than 100 immature plants.
- Immature plants in a plant batch must be of the same strain.
- Each immature plant batch must be physically labeled with the corresponding immature plant batch name.
- For each immature plant batch, cultivators will record in the System, at a minimum, the location, date of planting, plant count, and the strain of the corresponding immature plants.
Vegging plant is when a clone or seedling is at least 6 inches or taller. Once at the required height, Cultivators must move the plants to the Vegetative phase and attach an RFID plant UID to one of the lowest branches on the stalk but up out of the growing material.
Can I write the strain name or other identifier of my own on the physical Metrc plant tag?
Yes, there is a field on the back of the Metrc plant tag where licensees can write plant information. You can:
- Write in the field with indelible marker
- Print in that field using a thermal printer or
- Attach a printed sticky label over that field
Cultivation Operations
How will cultivators introduce new genetics after December 17, 2025?
Metrc can establish a “new genetic” transfer type option. When you are ready to introduce new genetics into your inventory, you must reach out to Metrc to request an external transfer. Metrc will work with OCM to open a limited window of time for you to introduce new genetics into the system using the External Transfer process.
Managing Existing Inventory
How will distributors handle existing inventory?
Distributors with existing inventory must order package UIDs when credentialled. Inventory will be received using External Transfers. To learn more about the External Transfer process you will need to refer to the Beginning Inventory Guide that will be available upon credentialing.
Distributors must complete all external transfers prior to December 17, 2025. Beginning February 1, distributors will have the ability to purchase and apply Retail Item IDs. Metrc suggests by February 15, all distributors assess their active inventory and identify any product that does not have a Retail Item UID. You will need to determine whether those products can be sent to a dispensary before February 28. After February 28, 2026, products cannot be transferred from Distributors to Dispensaries without a Retail Item UID affixed to each unit. By March 31, all inventory sent to dispensaries must have testing results associated with each Retail Item IDs affixed to each unit with either “TestPassed” or “RetestPassed” testing status.
How will processors handle existing inventory?
Processors with existing inventory must order package and Retail Item UIDs once they’ve completed credentialing into the system. Inventory will be received using External Transfers. To learn more about the External Transfer process you will need to refer to the Beginning Inventory Guide that will be available upon credentialing.
Starting November 7, 2025, Processors will not be able to send finished goods packages to Distributors without having Retail Item UIDs affixed to each unit within a package.
Processors must complete required training and get credentialed into Metrc beginning on November 7, 2025. Once credentialled, it is important to order both Package UIDs to facilitate beginning inventory at the batch level, and Retail Item UIDs to facilitate the creation of finished good packages. Finished goods packages are the only package type that will be allowed to be transferred to distribution facilities. All product that is brought into the Processor through the External Transfer process will be products that have recently or not yet been tested. All products that have already been tested in your inventory will need virtual samples and subsequent testing results associated to each package prior to transfer. Starting November 7, all products transferred to distributors will need a “TestPassed” or “RetestPassed” testing status.
How will dispensaries handle existing inventory?
Dispensaries with existing inventory must order package UIDs once credentialled. Inventory will be received using External Transfers. To learn more about the External Transfer process you will need to refer to the Beginning Inventory Guide that will be available upon credentialing into the system. After January 12, 2026, all existing inventory must be within the Metrc track and trace system.
Dispensaries are not required to purchase Retail Item IDs. Dispensaries may receive inventory from Distributors without Retail Item IDs on each unit until February 28, 2026.
Starting February 28, 2026, product will no longer be able to be transferred to dispensaries without a Retail Item UID affixed to each unit. Dispensaries will be able to receive inventory from distributors with a test status of “Not Submitted” until March 31, 2026. After March 31, 2026, all inventory must be received from a distributor with a “TestPassed” and “RetestPassed” testing status.
If I have set up my business and entered all of my inventory into Metrc, can I transfer inventory to a licensee who has not created their business in Metrc?
No. You will not be able to transfer inventory to licensees outside of the Metrc system. The receiving business must at least be credentialled with Metrc for their license number to appear in the list of available licensees to transfer to within the system. The sending licensee can then create a transfer manifest; however, the receiving licensee will not be able to receive the product within the system until they have completed the new business training and set up their business.
How will licensees manage product testing in their existing inventory?
All beginning inventory will have a testing status of Not Submitted. Best practice is to move all tested product(s) out of the active inventory and over to the dispensary to be sold prior to bringing in your beginning inventory so it can be sold. If there is any product at the Cultivation or Processors/Manufacturers that cannot be transferred out to be sold prior to bringing in your Beginning Inventory and it has been tested prior to Metrc, then the process for getting the testing status updated will be the following option if your testing facility agrees: Submitting a Virtual Test Sample In coordination with the testing facility you had the package previously tested at, you can submit a “Virtual Test Sample” to the testing facility by test sample workflow. Below is how to submit a “Virtual Test Sample” along with all of the pertinent information that goes with the sample. Select the package brought in via the External Incoming Transfers workflow and click the Submit for Testing button. For more information on this process refer to the Beginning Inventory Guide.
For more information on this process, Metrc has established distinct testing groups that align with each product type and its required analytes. When submitting a product for testing, you’ll select the appropriate product and corresponding testing group. For instance, a vape product intended for adult-use compliance testing would be submitted under the “AU Inhalable Concentrates” testing group.
In New York, where both bulk oil and the final vape cartridge form (e.g., 1g and 0.5g) require testing for heavy metals, each package must be tested separately. This means both the bulk product and each final form product should undergo their own test, and the final test results should be associated with the corresponding vape cartridge package.
Can licensees test for minor cannabinoids?
Yes, all lab test batches will have optional additional minor cannabinoids. Testing Facilities will have the option to add these minor cannabinoids to each test they complete.
Retail Item IDs & Dispensary Requirements
As a dispensary, do incoming packages require Retail Item IDs to accept transfers? No. Dispensaries are not required to have Retail Item IDs physically applied to individual units in order to receive a package in Metrc.
Packages may be accepted by dispensaries as long as each package has a valid Metrc Package UID applied and the transfer otherwise complies with New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) rules and guidance. For new products produced after December 17, 2025, Retail Item IDs are applied and recorded at the Processor (and included in Metrc records before transfer), but dispensaries are not required to refuse packages solely because individual retail units do not display a Retail Item ID on their physical labels.
Do retailers need to relabel every unit of beginning inventory with a Retail Item ID?
No. Retail dispensaries are not required to physically relabel each individual retail unit of beginning inventory solely to add a Retail Item ID.
The use of Retail Item IDs in Metrc will be enforced on the following schedule:
- December 17, 2025 – Retail Item IDs are required for transfers from Processors to Distributors.
- February 28, 2026 – Retail Item IDs are required for transfers from Distributors to Dispensaries.
For new products produced going forward, all required testing, packaging, and labeling — including applying Retail Item IDs on each unit where required — will occur at the Processor license before the product is transferred to a Distributor.
Beginning on February 1, 2026, Distributors will have the ability in Metrc to apply Retail Item IDs to applicable units in their inventory to prepare for the February 28, 2026 deadline. This includes applying Retail Item IDs to units from packages that remain in inventory after the beginning inventory period has ended.
The staggered deadlines are intended to allow product to continue flowing through the market without unnecessary disruption, while the new requirements for laboratory testing and Retail Item IDs are implemented at the Processor level and then phased in at the Distributor and Dispensary levels.
Am I required to use the Retail ID QR Code on cannabis product packaging?
Yes, as part of Metrc’s Seed to Sale system the Retail ID QR Code will be required on final cannabis product packaging. The Retail ID QR Code will satisfy the regulatory requirement in Part 128.5(b)(9) and 128.5(b)(10).
Cannabis Law section 78(2) allows the Cannabis Control Board to promulgate regulations governing the designation and use of a seed to sale system capable of tracking cannabis inventory and transaction data. In turn, 125.8(a) of the New York Code, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) provides that licensees shall use an inventory tracking system as determined by OCM.
Additionally, Part 118(a)(62) of NYCRR provides a definition for “lot unique identifier”, “lot number” and/or “bar codes”. These three terms are defined as “any distinctive combination of letters, numbers, or symbols, or any combination of them, from which the complete history of cultivation, manufacturing, processing, testing, custody, distribution, or recall of a lot of cannabis, medical cannabis product or cannabis product can be determined”.
Taken together, this means that the OCM has selected the Metrc system as the seed-to sale system of record and in order to provide the complete history of the cannabis product, the use of the Retail ID QR Code is required on cannabis product packaging to implement all statutory and regulatory provisions governing seed to sale tracking.
Are Multipacks allowed?
Yes, multipacks are permitted, however each product in the multipack will need to have its own Package UID and test individually as a singular product. Then at the processor facility, they will need to be combined after test passed into one child resistant package with one Package UID. A singular Retail ID will link to the CoA for each product in the multipack.
Costs & Third-Party Integrators
Will there be a price increase in tags (unique identifier) with Metrc?
No, Metrc will charge $0.10 per digital unique identifier (UIDs) per the terms of the existing contract with New York State. Licensees must order Plant, Package, or Retail Item UIDs from the Metrc system based on their license type. Each UID represents a unique inventory item within Metrc.
- Plant UIDs: Identify individual plants; each comes with a physical tag and strap.
- Package UIDs: Identify unique packages or lots; each comes with a physical tag.
- Retail Item UIDs: Identify individual retail units within a Finished Good Package UID; these are digital only in the form of a QR code.
When ordered, Metrc provisions unique UIDs for licensee use. Physical tags are provided by Metrc for Plants and Packages, while Retail Item UIDs can be printed using your existing integrated software or through Metrc directly.
What cost do third-party integrators have to pay with this transition?
Metrc will not charge third-party integrators for transitioning from the BioTrack system to Metrc.
Ongoing Compliance
Do I still have to use a real time electronic inventory tracking system?
Yes. This announcement does not change the requirement that pursuant to 9 NYCRR § 125.8 (a) all licensees must have an electronic, real-time inventory tracking system. And all cannabis inventory must be captured within that system.
Existing regulation requires licensees “utilize an inventory tracking system”; Metrc's System will satisfy this requirement. Similarly, cultivators are required to “have an on-premises based identification system”; Metrc’s System will also satisfy this requirement.
Alternatively, licensees may use a third-party software vendor of their choice to satisfy the regulatory requirement. Third party vendors must be capable of integrating with Metrc via an API.