The New York cannabis market is about to make a major shift: the state is officially moving from BioTrack to Metrc, joining 30 other states that use the system to track cannabis from seed to sale. If you’re a dispensary or delivery operator in New York, this transition affects you directly. The change means new software, new workflows, new UID tagging, and firm deadlines for every licensed operator.
The clock is ticking, and many licensees still don’t know what’s required or when. This guide breaks down the deadlines, steps, and resources dispensaries need to get compliant, avoid penalties, and keep your operations running smoothly.
️Why Metrc?
Metrc (short for Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance) is a “seed-to-sale” system that tracks cannabis through the supply chain: from cultivation and processing to testing, distribution, and retail sales.
The purpose is simple:
- Compliance: Give regulators real-time visibility into the legal market.
- Transparency: Ensure every product sold is tested, tagged, and accounted for.
- Consumer Safety: Confirm test results and product origins are tied to every package.
For operators, Metrc can feel like extra work. But with the right setup and tools, it also creates consistency, clear workflows, and guardrails that reduce compliance risk.
👉 You can find more information in this Metrc Overview
️Key Dates for New York’s Metrc Rollout
The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and Metrc have outlined a fast-moving schedule:
- Nov 7: Metrc credentialing opens; licensees must register and complete New Business Training in Metrc Learn.
- Nov 7: Begin ordering Metrc UIDs.
- Nov 21: Set up your business and admin dropdown in Metrc (permissions, items, locations, etc.)
- Dec 15: All inventory must be tagged and uploaded into Metrc.
- Dec 17: All licensees must be live and operating in Metrc.
What Dispensaries and Delivery Operators Need to Do
Metrc has published license-specific onboarding steps. For dispensaries and delivery operators, here’s the breakdown:
1: Get Credentialed
- Register in Metrc Learn.
- Complete New Business Training and pass the assessment.
- Receive login credentials (activate within 72 hours of receiving welcome email).
- Set up business and admin dropdown (employee permissions, items, API keys, locations, etc.)
- Begin ordering Metrc Package UIDs (tags).
2: Build Your Workflows
- Tag existing on-hand inventory with Package UIDs.
- Generate API key for your Point of Sale (POS) in Metrc.
- Develop workflows for sales, returns, destruction, and transfers.
- Complete Advanced Retailer Training in Metrc Learn.
3: Operate in Metrc
- Continue training staff.
- Ensure your POS integrates seamlessly with Metrc.
- Go Live by December 17, 2025.
- Keep daily compliance checks in place to avoid errors.
How POS Integration Fits In
Manually entering every sale, transfer, or adjustment into Metrc is a recipe for errors and wasted time. That’s why most retail operators integrate their cannabis POS system directly with Metrc. A strong New York cannabis POS should:
- Sync in real time with Metrc to reduce manual entry.
- Flag compliance issues automatically (e.g., age checks, reporting mismatches).
- Audit daily activity so you don’t discover problems weeks later.
- Support delivery workflows (vehicle assignments, driver manifests, and tracking).
Meadow has been fully integrated with Metrc for nearly a decade, powering over $4B in compliant sales across some of the biggest retailers in California and beyond. Our system runs daily audits and comes with automated guardrails so you can stay ahead of compliance issues instead of cleaning up after them.
Training & Support Resources
Metrc isn’t leaving operators on their own. The following resources are available:
- Metrc Learn: On-demand training platform.
- Metrc Expert: An in-system AI assistant that answers questions in real time.
- Support Portal: Create support cases, chat live with agents, or access documentation.
- Hotline: Call Metrc Support at 877-566-6506 (M-F, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET).
Pro tip: Don’t wait until December. Train your staff now so they’re comfortable with workflows before the deadline crunch.
Common Challenges to Watch For
- Tagging Inventory: Every unit must be tagged correctly by Dec 15. Train staff on tagging best practices.
- Data Accuracy: Strains, items, and test results must be entered correctly or you risk compliance flags.
- Delivery Operations: Make sure drivers, vehicles, and manifests are set up in Metrc early to avoid bottlenecks.
- POS Integration: Test your POS with Metrc in advance. Don’t discover integration issues on Dec 17.
Meadow’s Support for New York Operators
At Meadow, we’ve been through this before—many times. For over 10 years we’ve supported dispensaries and delivery operators through complex compliance requirements in California, Michigan, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Minnesota.
For New York, we’ve created a free resource to guide you step-by-step:
👉 Download the New York Metrc Transition Checklist
This checklist breaks down exactly what to do, in order, so you don’t miss a deadline.
If you’re also planning for delivery in New York, check out our New York Delivery Guide, which covers Ice Cream Truck delivery, Hub & Spoke, and hybrid models built for NY’s unique market.
Final Thoughts
The transition to Metrc is a big deal for New York cannabis operators. It may feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and the right tools you’ll be ready.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start now:
- Complete your credentialing.
- Order your tags.
- Build your workflows.
- Test your POS integration.
And remember: compliance isn’t just about meeting deadlines. It’s about protecting your business, your customers, and your long-term stability in the New York cannabis market.
Need help getting started?
Meadow’s team has helped thousands of cannabis retailers navigate Metrc successfully. Whether you need setup support, a POS integration demo, or hands-on compliance guidance, we’re here to help.
👉 Book a Free Metrc Transition Setup Call or Contact partners@getmeadow.com to learn how Meadow can support your transition in New York.
