Understanding some of the Metrc terms can take a while. The thing is, each action you perform in your Vende POS dictates an action that is performed in Metrc. Understanding some of the key Metrc terms should help you to stay out of trouble and operate compliantly.
What do Metrc, track and trace, and seed to sale mean?
What are metrc tags?
Tags (also known as package tags,) are unique identifiers (UID) that Metrc uses to track cannabis products. Licensees are responsible for assigning a tag to each package in their inventory.
Once an annual license is granted and paid for, the licensee will gain access to Metrc and be able to order tags through the portal. The tags have been factored into the licensing fees, so they will be provided at no cost to the licensee. You will need at least one tag for each product in your store, and will not be able to sell products without a tag assigned to it, so we recommend ordering generously.
What is a metrc package?
Packages are how cannabis products are organized in Metrc, often understood in the context of physical shipments of inventory. Every package must have a Metrc tag physically attached to the box the inventory items are delivered in and have the tag associated with the inventory in Metrc. Packages shouldn't be confused with products, as each product can have multiple packages. (e.g. A box of Parce - Modified Grapes delivered on 12/1/2010 and a box of Parce - Modified Grapes delivered on another day would be distinct packages with their own package tags but are the same product.)
What is a metrc manifest?
A manifest contains all the information about the packages in a transfer. As a retailer, you'll typically be accepting manifests from distributors in Metrc. Similar to a packing slip, manifests should include:
- Names, types, and tags of the products
- Amount of the products, by weight or count, and total sale or price wholesale cost of the cannabis goods, as applicable
- Date and time of the transaction, including estimated departure and arrival time
- Name and license number of licensees involved in the transaction (originating, transporting, and destination)
- Vehicle and driver information
If the distributor you're receiving packages from is operating under a temporary license and not using Metrc yet, you'll need to create and accept this manifest manually in Metrc.
What is a metrc transfer?
Transfers refer to the movement of packages (cannabis product) from one licensee to another including delivering product to a dispensary, returning products to vendors, transfers to other stores, etc. These can only be performed by a Laboratory licensee for testing, or by a Distributor licensee. (e.g. A transfer delivering a shipment of tinctures to a dispensary for sale must be performed by an operator with a distribution license. A transfer bringing a shipment of edibles to a lab for testing must be performed by an operator with a laboratory license. Neither of these transfers can legally be performed without the appropriate license.) When you receive inventory at a dispensary, the distributor transfers the packages to you. Note: You can never transfer a package that you have made sales from.
What is a metrc item?
If you are in the process of getting licensed, or have just received your cannabis license, check out all the features Vende offers to cannabis retailers and delivery services.