Proper Metrc tag placement isn’t just a small detail—it’s a critical part of cannabis compliance. In states with mandatory Metrc seed-to-sale tracking, every tag must be secure, scannable, and correctly linked to the right plant or product. Poor tag placement can slow audits, cause inventory issues, and trigger compliance violations.

The good news? With the right systems in place, you can avoid these headaches and keep your business running smoothly.

What Are Metrc Tags?

Metrc tags are physical identifiers used to track cannabis plants and packaged goods throughout their lifecycle. States like Minnesota, Michigan, and Massachusetts require them to maintain transparency and enforce regulatory compliance from seed to sale.

Losing or misplacing a tag may seem minor, but it renders the product non-compliant and can lead to fines, inventory disruptions, or worse. That’s why placement matters from day one.

Types of Metrc Tags and Placement

Metrc uses two tag types: Plant Tags and Package Tags. Plant Tags follow a cannabis plant through harvest. Package Tags are added once a product is packaged for sale or transfer. Both must remain visible, legible, and securely attached.

Each tag includes important information, like facility name, license number, and unique ID. Tags are also typically color-coded—yellow for medical, blue for adult-use—to make them easy to identify. While formatting may vary slightly by state, their purpose and structure remain consistent.

Metrc Plant Tag Placement

Plant tags must be applied when a plant enters veg and remain attached through harvest. They should be secured using Metrc straps, zip ties, or other methods that won’t damage the plant. Tags must be visible for easy scanning, without obstructing growth or airflow. They also need to withstand daily handling, humidity, and other environmental conditions.

Metrc Package Tag Placement

Package tags are applied to finished goods and link back to the source plant or batch. They’re typically affixed to jars, bags, or containers using stickers or tape. Placement should avoid covering branding, compliance info, or critical label elements. Tags must remain readable through shrink wrap or containers and be easy to scan during audits, sales, and inventory checks—all without compromising packaging design or customer experience.

Best Practices for Metrc Tag Placement

Incorrect tag placement is one of the most preventable compliance risks. Tags that fall off, get misassigned, or are hidden behind packaging create avoidable issues during audits and inventory counts. With a few simple practices, you can avoid these problems and stay ahead on compliance.

Train Your Team on Metrc Tag Placement

Your tag strategy is only as strong as the people applying them. Teams should understand Metrc rules specific to your license type and know exactly how and where to place tags for visibility and durability. Staff should also verify tag IDs before any movement, trimming, or packaging. SOPs with clear visuals help standardize the process, and onboarding training ensures new hires don’t introduce errors. One misplaced tag can snowball into costly problems—so training is your first line of defense.

Stay Ahead with Internal Auditing

Tag placement isn't a one-time task. Regular internal audits help identify missing, unreadable, or misassigned tags before they become violations. Build tag checks into your weekly or monthly compliance workflows to catch issues early and stay prepared for inspections.

Use Technology to Simplify Compliance

Manual tagging and data entry can lead to human error, especially in high-volume environments. RFID-integrated tools like StashStock’s CannaScanner can help by scanning and validating hundreds of tags instantly. The system flags mismatches in real time and lets you email audit reports or sync directly to Metrc—reducing the risk of small errors turning into big problems.

Tag smarter, scan faster, and stay audit-ready by replacing spreadsheets and manual input with integrated, tech-driven solutions.

Why StashStock?

StashStock is a Michigan-based technology and compliance solutions provider serving the medical and recreational cannabis industry across the United States. Specializing in Metrc-integrated solutions for growers, processors, and retailers, we help license holders maintain compliance, streamline operations, and reduce labor costs. As a Metrc-recommended top integrator, we focus on proactive compliance solutions that make regulatory tracking effortless—ensuring businesses stay compliant with Metrc and state agencies with ease.