METRC (Cannabis Track and Trace)
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
METRC (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance) is the seed-to-sale tracking system used by most US state cannabis regulatory agencies to monitor every plant, harvest, package, transfer, and sale within a state's regulated cannabis market. METRC is operated by Franwell, Inc. and is currently the official track-and-trace system for state cannabis programs in California, Colorado, Michigan, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, and others. Licensees are required to tag every plant and package with RFID barcodes and report all events (movements, weighings, conversions, disposals) to METRC within state-specific reporting windows (typically 24 hours). Failure to maintain accurate METRC records can result in license suspension or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states use METRC?
As of 2026, METRC is the official track-and-trace system in approximately 20 US states and territories including: California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, plus several territories. Other states use alternate systems (BioTrack THC in some, custom state systems in others). Each state's METRC implementation has state-specific rules layered on top of the base system.
What events must be reported to METRC?
Required reportable events vary by state but typically include: planting (vegetative state begins), harvest (drying weight assignment), package creation (lot or batch ID), package transfer (manifest required for transport), package conversion (e.g., flower to extract), package destruction (waste log), sale to consumer or patient. Reporting deadlines are typically 24 hours but can be tighter — California requires immediate reporting for many events.
What happens if METRC records are inaccurate?
State Cannabis Regulatory Authorities use METRC data as the primary source of truth during audits. Discrepancies between physical inventory and METRC records can trigger: warning letters, civil penalties (often $1,000-$10,000 per violation depending on state), suspension of license operations pending reconciliation, or revocation of license for repeated or willful violations. Some states require licensees to maintain written reconciliation logs documenting any METRC corrections.
How long must METRC-related records be retained?
Retention requirements vary by state but commonly run 5-7 years. California's BCC/DCC requires 7-year retention of all cannabis transaction records (CCR Section 5037). Colorado requires 3-year retention of METRC records under Marijuana Enforcement Division rules. Michigan CRA requires retention 'at least 5 years' under R 420.501. Always consult state-specific regulations for current retention windows.
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