Cannabis Transport Manifest
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
A cannabis transport manifest is the document required by state Cannabis Regulatory Authorities that accompanies every transfer of cannabis or cannabis products between licensed entities. The manifest typically must include: origin and destination license numbers, METRC package tags for every package transported, transport vehicle information, transport personnel identification, departure and estimated arrival times, route description, and signatures at pickup and delivery. Manifests are generated through state track-and-trace systems (METRC in most states) and may not be edited mid-transport. Deviations from the planned route or unmanifested cannabis in a vehicle are among the most-cited transport violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can transport cannabis between licensees?
Only licensed cannabis transport operators or licensees with transport endorsement on their license. Most states require a separate Distribution or Transporter license. Drivers must be at least 21 years old, carry valid identification and badging, and be employees of the licensed transporter. Common carriers (FedEx, UPS) cannot transport cannabis under any state program. Federal interstate transport remains illegal regardless of state licensing.
How long must manifests be retained?
Retention requirements typically run 3-7 years matching the state's overall cannabis recordkeeping rule. California CCR Title 4 Section 15049 requires 7-year retention. Colorado MED requires 3-year retention. Manifests must be kept by both the originating licensee and the receiving licensee, and the transport operator must maintain a copy for the duration of the transport.
What violations are common during transport?
Frequent enforcement findings: unmanifested cannabis in a vehicle, mismatched package weights between manifest and physical inventory, deviation from manifested route without justification, exceeded estimated arrival window, missing transport personnel badges, failure to update METRC promptly upon delivery, and improper vehicle securement (cannabis must typically be in a locked compartment with limited access).
Can cannabis cross state lines?
No. Federal law prohibits the interstate transport of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act, regardless of whether both states have legal cannabis programs. Cannabis transport is strictly intrastate within each state's regulated market. Even cannabis transport through a non-cannabis state to another legal cannabis state is federally illegal.
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