New York Metrc Compliance: What Cannabis Operators Need to Know Now

Katharine Baxter • December 16, 2025

New York cannabis operators are officially in the final stretch of the state’s transition from BioTrack to Metrc . The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has confirmed that all licensed cannabis businesses must register with Metrc by December 17, marking a major milestone in New York Metrc compliance. While the state has introduced some flexibility to ease operational pressure, the credentialing deadline remains firm—and preparation is critical.

Metrc will now serve as New York’s official seed-to-sale tracking system, creating a digital record for every cannabis plant and product from cultivation through retail sale. Any business that physically handles cannabis—including cultivators, processors, testing labs, distributors, and retailers—is required to operate within the system. With deadlines approaching and compliance expectations increasing, understanding how to prepare is essential. Below, we break down what the New York Metrc rollout means for operators—and how StashStock helps simplify the transition.

What This Means for New York Cannabis Operators

To meet New York Metrc compliance standards, licensees must complete Metrc registration and training before receiving login credentials. This training is mandatory and must be completed prior to system access.

All licensees must be registered and credentialed by December 17, 2025, even if they receive additional time for inventory entry. Failure to complete credentialing by this date may result in noncompliance and enforcement action.

Key Deadlines for the New York Metrc Transition

In response to industry concerns, the OCM has revised its inventory reporting timeline:

Growers, processors, and distributors must enter existing inventory into Metrc by December 17, 2025.
Retailers now have until January 12, 2026 to upload their existing inventory, providing limited breathing room during peak sales.

However, retailers should note:

They must still be credentialed by December 17.
Retailers may continue selling existing inventory after December 17.
New shipments received after December 17 cannot be sold until they are logged in Metrc.

This distinction is critical to maintaining uninterrupted retail operations while remaining compliant. Operators that meet these deadlines early reduce their exposure to compliance risk, gain valuable time to test workflows and integrations, and avoid last-minute disruptions as enforcement begins. Following implementation, the OCM and Metrc will closely monitor compliance and provide ongoing system support during a stabilization period, making early preparation the most reliable path to a smooth transition.

Tagging, Labeling, UID, and Compliance Updates

Metrc tags cost $0.10 per UID, but New York is issuing a one-time free allocation to reduce initial costs:

Cultivators: 2,500 free plant tags
Distributors: 750 free package tags
Microbusinesses: 750 free item tags

In addition, the state is distributing 20 million free Retail Item UIDs, signaling a meaningful effort to reduce financial and administrative burden during rollout.

Starting December 17:

Manufactured products such as gummies and vapes must have Metrc-generated QR codes before being transferred to distributors.
Distributors must ensure all outgoing products are properly coded by February 28, 2026.
Retailers may continue receiving uncoded inventory until February 28 and are not required to retroactively label older stock.

By March 31, 2026, all products on retail shelves must be fully documented as having passed required safety testing within Metrc. Under updated rules, each individual product within a variety pack or multi-pack must be evaluated separately before being combined into a single child-resistant package—adding another layer of compliance oversight for manufacturers and retailers.

How StashStock Simplifies New York Metrc Compliance

Meeting New York Metrc compliance requirements goes beyond registration—it requires accurate data, repeatable workflows, and real-time visibility. StashStock integrates directly with Metrc via API, helping operators automate inventory reporting, manage labeling, and maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail.

With deadlines rapidly approaching and enforcement increasing, early adoption of the right tools can prevent costly disruptions.

Get ahead of New York Metrc compliance—schedule a demo with StashStock today to learn how our platform streamlines Metrc reporting and helps your team stay compliant with confidence.

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.

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