Timeline and notes

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has revised the deadline for the complete migration to Metrc. Consequently, Dutchie has new guidelines for operators transitioning to the system.

OCM State Deadlines

• Metrc credentialing: December 17, 2025
• Inventory migration: extended to January 12, 2026

If you fail to migrate to Metrc by December 17, Dutchie will assign you a non-negotiable date that you must migrate on.

Delaying inventory migration past December 17 prohibits sales of new inventory acquired after that date until existing stock is fully migrated to Metrc.

Inventory bought after December 17 and sold outside Metrc will be flagged by Metrc/OCM, causing noncompliance and increased risk during the holiday season.

Migration support and the push packages tool will be unavailable and you will not be able to push inventory during these times:

• December 19 at 8 PM ET through December 22 at 9 AM ET
• December 23 at 8 PM ET through December 28 at 9 AM ET
• December 30 at 8 PM ET through January 5 at 9 AM ET

The deadline to be fully migrated to Metrc is January 12.

Table of contents

• Implementation timeline
• Stay informed
• Week 1: High-level overview
  • BioTrack vs. Metrc: Key Differences
  • What's new with Metrc and what will change?
  • What you can do now to prepare for Metrc migration
• Week 2: Understanding new workflows
  • What will be required for Cultivators and Microbusinesses?
  • What will be required for Processors and Microbusinesses?
  • Inventory management workflows
• Week 3: Onboarding preparation and rollout plans
  • What you can do now: prepare your Catalog and Strain data
  • Staffing and resourcing recommendations
  • Further tips for a successful migration
• Week 4: Understanding Metrc Retail ID
  • What is Metrc Retail ID?
  • How does it work?
  • What's the benefit?
  • Configuration requirements
  • How are QR codes generated?
  • Retail workflows
  • Key takeaways
• Week 5: Metrc Onboarding Wizard

Implementation timeline

This timeline is intended to guide a smooth transition and onboarding into the Metrc system. Updates will be posted on the Metrc New York State Partner Page and OCM Seed-to-Sale page, with administrators also receiving regular email notifications.

Key dates

October 22:

• API released from Metrc 
• Documentation will be available after October 22 and before the end of October 

November 14:

• Beginning inventory begins 
• Metrc integration available in the Dutchie Backoffice

December 17: 

• Target deadline for all operators to be live on Metrc
• Processor licensees must apply Metrc Retail ID QR code labels to each individual unit of finished goods before shipping to distribution or retail licensees.

February 28, 2026:

• Retail IDs will be required for all incoming inventory received by retailers. Until then, retailers may continue to accept inventory without Retail IDs.

Suggested migration windows are Monday-Thursday until December 16, except November 26-30. Beginning inventory will be closed on December 17. Operators' last day to onboard is December 16.

A member of the Dutchie team will be reaching out to confirm when you are choosing to migrate.

Stay informed

OCM

Licensees with compliance questions regarding integration with the seed-to-sale system Metrc should refer to the OCM Seed-to-Sale page or contact the OCM at sts@ocm.ny.gov. 

Metrc

Refer to the Metrc New York State Partner Page.

Dutchie

Refer to this page for weekly tips, and see New York | BioTrack to Metrc transition for further resources. Both pages will be updated regularly during the transition. Dutchie is prepared to meet all critical deadlines for this migration.

If you have questions for the Dutchie team regarding Metrc integration in New York State, contact us at ny-integrations-help@dutchie.com.

Week 1: High-level overview

Posted October 17

BioTrack vs. Metrc: Key Differences

Bottom Line: Both are real-time electronic inventory and sales tracking systems that capture, track and report the same actions for traceability, including, but not limited to: 

• Sales: All customer transactions, customer type, items sold by unit weight/quantity, delivery sales, the user making the sale.
• Inventory Actions: Adjustments, conversions, moves, processing jobs, destructions, manifests/transfers, the user performing inventory actions.
• Cultivation Actions: Plant adjustments, moves, adding new plants, converting from immature group to individual plants, destructions, harvesting, the user performing cultivation actions.

What's new with Metrc and what will change?

Metrc Retail ID

All operators will need to adhere to Metrc Retail ID practices on day one. We recommend you familiarize yourself with this workflow via Metrc Training, our Metrc Retail ID guides for retailers and producers, and the Week 4 content below.

Unique RFID Metrc Tags/Retail ID QRs per package

Operators will need to adhere to scanning the unique Metrc QR codes at the POS to transact. Cultivators and Manufacturers will need to label their plants and WIP inventory with unique Metrc RFID tags. Manufacturers will need to label all finished good products with unique Metrc Retail ID QR codes per individual package before shipping to retailers. Adding QR codes to existing finished good inventory will be needed for initial onboarding. 

2D barcode scanner requirement 

In order to adhere to Retail ID, operators will need to obtain 2D barcode scanners to scan the Retail ID QR codes at the register and for inventory management. See list of recommended scanner models on next slide. 

Receiving inventory

All incoming transfers will need to be accepted in Metrc first before you will be able to bring those packages in via Pending Transfer in Dutchie. 

Outbound transfers

Any outbound transfers/manifests can be sent via Dutchie, but will need to be finalized in Metrc in order to complete the transaction. 

Cannot split or share the same tag across multiple locations 

Metrc packages/tags cannot exist in two places at once. If you split a package to send to another location, the split package must have its own unique Metrc tag before sending to another location. You will use the Create Package inventory action to achieve this.

What you can do now to prepare for Metrc migration

Complete the required Metrc training and get credentialed

Complete new business training in Metrc Learn, open now. Enroll here.

Order Metrc tags

After getting credentialed, you will be able to order tags directly through your Metrc portal under Admin > Tag Orders > New Tag Order.

Purchase 2D barcode scanners

Dutchie recommends these 2D barcode scanner models:

• Zebra H-6672 (2D, wired only)
• Zebra DS2208
• Zebra CS6080
• Zebra CR6080
• Zebra DS2278 2D Barcode Scanner

Week 2: Understanding new workflows

Posted October 24

What will be required for Cultivators and Microbusinesses?

Additive Tracking

All cultivators will need to adhere to additive tracking in their cultivation operations. Manage and track additives direction in Metrc under Admin > Additives.

.

Plant Destruction

The Retire Plant action in the Plants table in Dutchie will destroy a mature plant in Metrc. 

Waste method, waste material, waste reason, and waste weight will need to be specified upon retirement/destruction. This will create a Waste record in Metrc under Plants > Waste. 

Clone and Seedling Destruction 

The Destroy clone and Destroy seedling actions in the Plants table in Dutchie will destroy the specified amount of immature plant(s) in Metrc. 

Waste method, waste material, waste reason, and waste weight will need to be specified upon destruction

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 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 it a plant tag and corresponding UID provided by Metrc.

• A plant batch shall contain no more than 100 immature plants.

• Immature plants in a plant batch must be of the same cultivar (strain).

• Each immature plant batch must be physically labeled with a plant tag and corresponding UID. The plant tag shall be kept clear from dirt and debris and be visible and within clear view of an individual standing next to the plant batch.

• For each plant batch, cultivators will record in the System, at a minimum, the location, date of planting, plant count, and cultivar (strain) of the corresponding immature plants.

Vegging plant is when a clone develops a self-sufficient root system, or a seedling is showing at least 6 sets of mature leaves. 

What will be required for Processors and Microbusinesses?

Bill of Materials and Assemblies

Any processors or operators who will be creating production batches should use Dutchieʼs Bill of Materials and Assemblies. 

If you currently do not have the Manufacturing module in your Backoffice, please reach out to Dutchie Support to enable. 

Production Batches

A production batch is when an operator creates a product that will require lab testing (i.e. bulk flower distillate edible, bulk flower distillate vape, etc.) 

Ingredient Tracking

Metrc will require some form of ingredient tracking in production batches. More information on this will be available soon.

Conversions

If a processor is creating a product that is not a production batch (does not require additional testing, such as creating pre-rolls or pre-packs from bulk flwoer), you can use the Convert action in the inventory table instead.

Inventory management workflows

Destructions

To destroy inventory packages, use the adjust function in the inventory table to adjust the quantity to 0.

Split Packages

Use the create packages function in the inventory table and apply a new Metrc tag to the new package(s). You will not need to regenerate new Retail ID QR codes when creating packages, only a new and unique Metrc tag. 

Lab Results

Once all licensees are fully integrated and lab results are flowing through Metrc, operators can then fetch lab results when receiving new inventory or fetch lab results for previously received inventory.

You can also enable options in Settings > Integrations > Metrc > Settings tab to Use Metrc Lab Data and Default Metrc Labs in Receive, which will automatically fetch lab results when receiving inventory.

Lab Sampling

Operators will need to perform this in Metrc and select the type of lab sample they are performing (i.e. Full Panel Compliance, R&D Potency only, etc.) 

After lab sampling is completed in Metrc:

• In Dutchie, you can adjust the package quantity down with Bypass State System selected to reconcile between Dutchie and Metrc.
• Or, you can use the lab sample function with Bypass State System selected to reconcile between Dutchie and Metrc.

Outbound Manifests

Use Dutchieʼs manifest workflow for vendor returns or sending inventory to another location or license. 

Once the manifest is completed in Dutchie, finalize the external transfer in Metrc to complete the action and send the manifest to the receiving entity. 

Cars and drivers will need to be created in Dutchie in order to send a manifest, but will not need to be pushed to Metrc. 

• For cars, Make, Model, and License Plate numbers are sufficient. 
• For drivers, driver name and driver's license numbers are sufficient.

Receiving Inventory and Incoming Transfers

Accept any inbound manifests/transfers in Metrc first. Once accepted in Metrc, the incoming transfer will populate in Dutchie under Products > Receive inventory > Pending transfers and can be received into Dutchie.

Reminder: What you can do now to prepare for Metrc migration

Complete the required Metrc training and get credentialed

Complete new business training in Metrc Learn, open now. Enroll here.

Order Metrc tags

After getting credentialed, you will be able to order tags directly through your Metrc portal under Admin > Tag Orders > New Tag Order.

Purchase 2D barcode scanners

Dutchie recommends these 2D barcode scanner models:

• Zebra H-6672 (2D, wired only)
• Zebra DS2208
• Zebra CS6080
• Zebra CR6080
• Zebra DS2278 2D Barcode Scanner

Week 3: Onboarding preparation and rollout plans

Posted October 31

What you can do now: prepare your Catalog and Strain data

Refer to the item mapping guide to review which Product Catalog data points are required for each product type.

If you don't see one of the following fields in your Catalog, go to Products > Configure > Fields and ensure all necessary fields are set to Show or Required if Cannabis.

Ingredients

Ensure all applicable traceable products have ingredients listed.

This is a regulatory requirement enforced by OCM. For guidance on this, please reach out to OCM at STS@ocm.ny.gov.

Strains

Ensure all your strains have been entered in the Dutchie Backoffice under Products > Strains and that all applicable cannabis products in your Catalog have a strain assigned as specified in the item mapping guide.

You can use the bulk actions feature to assign a strain to multiple products at once.

Allergens

Ensure all applicable cannabis products have Allergens listed on the product Catalog as specified in the item mapping guide.

Grams/concentration

Ensure all quantity-based cannabis products have a correct and valid per-unit weight or potency value entered in the Grams/concentration field. 

This field should always reflect grams; if a product is measured in milligrams (mg), convert it to grams (i.e., 100 milligrams = 0.1 grams).

Bulk actions

To streamline this process, you can use bulk actions to update field values for multiple similar products at once. 

1. In Products > Catalog, use the checkboxes to select products to update. You can use search terms and filters to narrow down the list and isolate the products you want to update.
2. Select Bulk actions > Bulk edit product details.
   
3. In the “field” dropdown, select the field you are bulk updating across all selected products.
   
4. Select or enter the value you want to apply to the selected field for all selected products.
5. Use the + Add field button to add additional fields to bulk update
6. Click Save.

Staffing and resourcing recommendations

We recommend having a team of multiple staff members to complete the onboarding process: 

1 - 3 employees dedicated to managing the Dutchie and Metrc software workflows

• Pushing data into Metrc (est. 1-2 hours)
• Receiving beginning inventory transfers in Metrc (est. 1-3 hours)
• Digitally tagging in Metrc (est. 1-2 hours)
• Syncing Tags back into DPOS (est. 30 mins - 1 hour)

2 - 4 employees dedicated to physical tagging and inventory/plant management

• Downloading and printing Retail IDs for finished cannabis inventory (est. 1 hour)
• Physically tagging and applying Retail IDs onto finished inventory packages (est. 2-3 hours)
• Physically tagging all WIP and Plant inventory with Metrc tags (est. 1-4 hours)
• Member(s) dedicated to the technical/software tasks in Dutchie and Metrc.
• Members ready to begin physically labeling all individual products with Metrc Retail ID QR codes on finished goods, as well as RFID Metrc tags on unfinished inventory and plants.

Estimate approximately 4 hours to complete digital onboarding, not including time to physically label all inventory.

We recommend closing early on your onboarding date, if possible.

Further tips for a successful migration

• Wait to physically label packages until after digital onboarding is complete and after the Metrc tags are synced back to your inventory in Dutchie. Physically tagging and then reconciling in the digital onboarding steps will take more time to complete onboarding than starting with digital onboarding first.
• Beginning inventory will be posted to Metrc without attached labs/COAs. It is encouraged to get all tested finished good products to retailers so they can get them into Metrc via beginning inventory.
• Before pushing beginning inventory to Metrc, make sure to combine packages with the same SKU and package ID. Example: Blue Dream Eighths with Package ID #123456 has quantity in the Sales Floor and quantity in the Vault – combine both packages into one line right before you begin your inventory push to Metrc. If you don't see an option to combine packages in your Backoffice, contact Dutchie Support to have this feature enabled.
  

Reminders

Complete the required Metrc training and get credentialed

Complete New Business training in Metrc Learn. Enroll now at https://learn.metrc.com/learn.

Order Metrc tags 

After getting credentialed, you will be able to order tags from Metrc.

Make sure you have 2D scanners for Metrc Retail ID. 

Our recommended models are:

• Zebra H-6672 (2D, wired only)
• Zebra DS2208
• Zebra CS6080
• Zebra CR6080
• Zebra DS2278 2D Barcode Scanner

Week 4: Understanding Metrc Retail ID

Posted November 6

What is Metrc Retail ID?

Retail ID is a universal QR code affixed to product packaging on individual cannabis items by manufacturers or cultivators (Brands). These QR codes contain information about the product, its origin, and lab results.

While they are optional in some Metrc states, Retail ID QR codes will be required on all product packaging in New York.

How does it work?

1. Brands set up products and packages in Metrc as usual, selecting the package for labeling with “Test Passed” results.
2. Brands select their preferred option, download serialized labels, print and affix labels to each item and repackage using current transfer process.
3. Distributors seamlessly move product through the supply chain without additional scanning.
4. Retailers receive package(s) in Metrc, scanning each Metrc package with Retail ID codes to complete transfer and check out, syncing QR codes with Dutchie POS inventory.
5. Consumers can scan QR codes for product information, certificates of analysis (COAs), ingredients, and more.

What's the benefit?

• Efficiency: QR code labeling eliminates the need for extra POS stickers. Faster product intake and verification. Reduces manual data entry errors. Speeding up transactions for a better customer experience. 
• Compliance: Ensures products are legal, lab-tested, and safe for consumption. Improves compliance and increases market confidence. Validates legal product to deter illicit activity. Protects brand reputation and bottom line.
• COA visibility: Allows real-time access to item-level product data in a single scan. Builds consumer confidence with validation of lab testing.
• Product review and effects reporting: Amplifies voice of consumer data with access to direct product review and effects reporting. Improves public health with ability to track product effects directly in the app.

Configuration requirements

In Dutchie POS

• Under Settings > Integrations > Metrc > Settings tab, set Use Retail ID to Yes.
• Under Settings > Users enable the Manually Fetch QR IDs permission (in the Integrations section) for all staff who manage products and inventory.
   

In Metrc

Set the Product Labels user permission to Manage for all staff who manage products and inventory. Learn more about setting up Metrc users and permissions.

How are QR codes generated?

Metrc direct generation

This is an option directly within the Metrc application itself. Licensees can select a package that has passed testing and is ready for labeling, download the serialized QR codes and putting them into an Excel file for printing.

Finished goods labels

An extension or specific application of the Retail ID for specific product categories like Flowers, Concentrates, and Edibles to provide a more standardized way to produce compliant labels that include the Retail ID QR code for these common product types.

Learn more about Metrc Retail ID

See these articles for more information about Metrc Retail ID:

• Metrc Retail ID: Retailer guide
• Metrc Retail ID: Cultivator, manufacturer, and distributor guide

Key takeaways

• 🗣️Retail ID streamlines receiving and searching inventory, adding and removing items to the cart, processing Returns and voids, and granting consumer COA visibility.
• 🔑Retailer workflows will not see much change except for a reduction in restickering products.
• 🌳Brands (cultivators & manufacturers) should be the primary licensee types affixing QR codes to products. 
• 🚀Use of Retail ID will be required for any new product being shipped through Metrc in New York State. Existing products being onboarded will need to have a standard Metrc Package ID.

Reminders

Complete the required Metrc training and get credentialed

Complete New Business training in Metrc Learn. Enroll now at https://learn.metrc.com/learn.

Order Metrc tags 

After getting credentialed, you will be able to order tags from Metrc.

All Inventory must be in Metrc no later than December 16

Beginning inventory transfers will be disabled on December 17.

Make sure you have 2D scanners for Metrc Retail ID. 

Our recommended models are:

• Zebra H-6672 (2D, wired only)
• Zebra DS2208
• Zebra CS6080
• Zebra CR6080
• Zebra DS2278 2D Barcode Scanner

Week 5: Metrc Onboarding Wizard

Posted November 14

The new Metrc Onboarding Wizard is now available in the Dutchie Backoffice. This tool streamlines the onboarding process by helping you make sure your rooms, strains, products, and inventory are ready to integrate with Metrc by identifying any issues that require your attention and providing ways to resolve them.

Reminders

Complete the required Metrc training and get credentialed

Complete New Business training in Metrc Learn. Enroll now at https://learn.metrc.com/learn.

Order Metrc tags 

After getting credentialed, you will be able to order tags from Metrc.

Confirm your onboarding date

Dutchie has been reaching out to account points of contact to confirm onboarding dates. Please respond or reach out to our Metrc migration team at ny-integrations-help@dutchie.com if you haven’t received any correspondence.

Make sure you have 2D scanners for Metrc Retail ID. 

Our recommended models are:

• Zebra H-6672 (2D, wired only)
• Zebra DS2208
• Zebra CS6080
• Zebra CR6080
• Zebra DS2278 2D Barcode Scanner

More resources

• New York | Metrc migration overview
• New York | Metrc migration FAQ