Illinois Metrc Training: What Cannabis Operators Need to Know
The Illinois cannabis industry is undergoing a major shift in its seed-to-sale tracking system and it’s time to start preparing for Illinois Metrc Training. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced that Metrc will replace BioTrack as the state’s official track-and-trace system for both medical and adult-use cannabis programs.
If you’re a licensed operator, understanding Illinois Metrc training and the transition timeline is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring a smooth migration.
A Brief History of Illinois’ Track-and-Trace System
Since the legalization of medical cannabis in 2013, Illinois has required all cannabis businesses to use a seed-to-sale tracking system to ensure regulatory compliance and prevent product diversion. The state originally partnered with BioTrack for this purpose.
When Illinois expanded into adult-use cannabis in 2020, BioTrack remained the system of record. However, as the industry has grown, so has the need for a more scalable and efficient solution—which is why Illinois is now transitioning to Metrc.
Why Illinois is Switching to Metrc
On February 4, 2025, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) officially announced its contract with Metrc, a widely used track-and-trace system known for its RFID technology, real-time data tracking, and improved compliance reporting.
The transition from BioTrack to Metrc aims to:
✅ Enhance inventory tracking accuracy using RFID tags
✅ Reduce manual audits and data entry errors
✅ Strengthen regulatory oversight and compliance
✅ Streamline state reporting requirements for licensees
Metrc is currently used in over 20 states, making it a trusted solution for seed-to-sale tracking.
What This Means for Illinois Cannabis Operators
If you operate a cultivation, processing, distribution, testing, or dispensary business, you will be required to switch from BioTrack to Metrc. This transition will affect:
- Inventory management workflows
- State compliance reporting requirements
- Employee training on Metrc’s platform
- Data migration from BioTrack to Metrc
With Illinois Metrc training, operators can ensure seamless compliance and avoid disruptions.
Illinois Metrc Training: What You Need to Know
To successfully transition, all licensees will need to complete Illinois Metrc training. Here’s what to expect:
1. Mandatory Training for Operators
All licensees will be required to complete Metrc training before gaining access to the system. Training will cover:
✔ How to log inventory and manage shipments
✔ Understanding RFID tag tracking
✔ How to generate compliance reports
✔ Avoiding common compliance mistakes
2. RFID Tag Implementation
Metrc uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to track cannabis plants and products. These tags:
🔹 Are assigned to each plant or product batch
🔹 Automatically update inventory data in real-time
🔹 Reduce the risk of human error in data entry
Illinois will cover the cost of RFID tags for licensees, subject to certain restrictions.
3. Data Migration from BioTrack to Metrc
Operators will need to transfer inventory and compliance data from BioTrack to Metrc. Ensuring accuracy during this migration is critical to avoiding compliance violations.
Our team offers Illinois Metrc training and data migration support to make this process easy.
Illinois Metrc Transition Timeline & Deadlines
The transition from BioTrack to Metrc will occur over several months, with full implementation expected in Summer 2025.
📅 Key Transition Milestones:
- Q1 2025: Announcement & contract execution
- Q2 2025: Metrc training for licensees begins
- Q3 2025: Full Metrc implementation and BioTrack sunset
For the most up-to-date information, check out the official Illinois cannabis press release.
How to Prepare for the Illinois Metrc Transition
✔ Enroll in Illinois Metrc training as soon as it becomes available
✔ Start planning your data migration to avoid compliance issues
✔ Review Metrc’s user guides and prepare your team for new workflows
✔ Work with a compliance expert to streamline onboarding
✔ Embrace support from professionals with experience.. like us!
Our team offers Metrc onboarding support, training, and data migration assistance—available on-site or remotely to fit your needs.
🚀 Need help getting started? Contact us today for expert Illinois Metrc training and compliance support!
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for Metrc in Illinois
With Illinois’ switch to Metrc, staying ahead of the transition is key to maintaining compliance and avoiding disruptions. By completing Metrc training, understanding RFID tagging, and planning for data migration, your business can seamlessly adapt to the new system.
📌 Have questions? We’re here to help with all your Illinois Metrc training and onboarding needs!
📩 Contact us today to schedule time to get started with your onboarding plan and METRC training.
