What is New York’s Cannabis Seed-to-Sale Tracking System?
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has adopted Metrc as the official seed-to-sale tracking system for all licensed cannabis businesses in the state. New York transitioned from its original BioTrack system to Metrc in late 2025, with full implementation underway in early 2026.
The transition followed OCM’s comprehensive assessment that determined Metrc would better serve New York’s rapidly growing regulated cannabis market. All licensees that physically handle cannabis—cultivators, processors, distributors, testing labs, and retail dispensaries—must be credentialed in Metrc and report all supply chain activities in real time. Per 9 NYCRR § 125.8(a), all New York cannabis licensees must use a real-time electronic inventory tracking system.
New York License Types That Require Metrc
- Cultivator (Adult-Use)
- Processor (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 – Branding exempt from credentialing if no physical product handling)
- Distributor
- Retail Dispensary
- Independent Testing Laboratory
- Microbusiness
- Registered Organization (Medical)
- Delivery Service
Key New York METRC Compliance Requirements
- Metrc credentialing: All licensees handling cannabis must be credentialed through Metrc Learn training
- Plant batch tracking: Cultivators may group up to 100 immature plants of the same cultivar into a plant batch with a single plant tag and UID
- Package UIDs: All cannabis products must receive unique Metrc package UIDs for tracking through the supply chain
- Retail Item IDs: QR code-based retail identifiers required on all final consumer products — phased rollout through February 2026
- Transfer tracking: All movement between licensees must be recorded in Metrc with compliant manifests
- Testing compliance: After March 31, 2026, all inventory must have “TestPassed” or “RetestPassed” status in Metrc before transfer to dispensaries
- Inventory discrepancy thresholds: Cultivators face mandatory reporting and investigation if physical inventory differs from Metrc by more than 2%
- Tag costs: UIDs are $0.10 each, with 20 million Retail Item UIDs provided at no cost to processors through 2026
New York Metrc Transition Timeline (2025–2026)
- September 2025: OCM announced Metrc transition; STS Administrator assignments began
- October 2025: Metrc Connect API and testing endpoints available for third-party integrators
- November 2025: Physical Metrc tags shipped to operators; in-person Metrc events held statewide November 3–7
- December 17, 2025: Metrc credentialing deadline for all licensees; Retail Item IDs required for Processor-to-Distributor transfers
- January 12, 2026: Deadline for retailers to enter all existing inventory into Metrc
- February 1, 2026: Distributors gain ability to apply Retail Item IDs to inventory in Metrc
- February 28, 2026: Retail Item IDs required for Distributor-to-Dispensary transfers
- March 31, 2026: All inventory must have testing status (“TestPassed”) before transfer to dispensaries
How Does Roshi Help with Metrc Compliance in New York?
Roshi’s cannabis ERP platform helps New York operators navigate the Metrc transition and ongoing compliance requirements. Whether you’re a cultivator upstate, a processor in the Hudson Valley, or a distributor serving New York City dispensaries, Roshi integrates with Metrc to keep your operations running smoothly.
- Real-time bidirectional API integration with New York Metrc — packages, transfers, inventory adjustments, and Retail Item ID tracking
- Mobile apps (iOS & Android) with barcode and QR code scanning for Metrc UID and Retail Item ID management
- Cultivation tracking with plant batch management supporting NY’s 100-plant immature batch grouping rules
- Production and processing batch records with automated Metrc package creation and Retail Item UID application
- Distribution and fulfillment workflows with compliant Metrc transfer manifest generation
- Inventory reconciliation tools to stay within OCM’s 2% discrepancy threshold for cultivators
- Digital storefront for B2B wholesale ordering — streamlining distributor-to-dispensary relationships
- QuickBooks Online integration for financial management and tax compliance
New York Metrc Resources
- New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)
- OCM Seed-to-Sale Page & Bulletins
- OCM Seed-to-Sale FAQs
- Metrc New York
- Metrc Training (Metrc Learn)
Talk to Us!
Questions? Want to learn more about Roshi in New York? Still confused by Metrc? We’re here to chat. Contact us today – we’ll be happy to walk you through the regulatory landscape.
