Everything You Need to Know About METRC Retail IDs
METRC Retail IDs are one of the most important changes to state cannabis compliance and labeling in recent years. As more states tighten tracking requirements, understanding Retail IDs is now a core part of effective METRC Training.
New York is leading the way as the first state to require METRC Retail IDs as part of its seed to sale program. Other states already support Retail IDs, and more are expected to follow. Even if your state does not, yet, require Retail ID, there are some benifits to using it if it is available.
This guide explains what METRC Retail IDs are, how they differ from METRC tags, which states use them, and what businesses need to update in their SOPs and METRC Training programs.
What Are METRC Retail IDs
METRC Retail IDs are unique, unit level identifiers assigned to individual cannabis products. Each sellable unit receives its own Retail ID, printed as a QR code and applied directly to the finished product packaging by the cultivator or manufacturer.
The QR code can be scanned for a unique identifier for retail or the state and for customers to view product information, including test results associated with it.
Unlike plant tags or package tags, Retail IDs track individual consumer facing units. A single case of product (or METRC package) may contain dozens or hundreds of Retail IDs, one for each item inside.
Retail IDs are generated within METRC and are designed to improve traceability, labeling accuracy, and supply chain transparency.
Why METRC Introduced Retail IDs
METRC introduced Retail IDs to support unit level serialization and improve how finished cannabis products are tracked through distribution and retail.
Retail IDs help:
- Reduce relabeling at the retail level
- Improve receiving and intake workflows
- Support consumer access to product information, specifically test results
- Strengthen audit and compliance accuracy
As more states adopt stricter tracking rules, Retail IDs are becoming a critical part of METRC Training for brands, distributors, and dispensaries.
METRC Retail ID vs METRC Tag vs RFID vs Barcode
This is one of the most common areas of confusion in METRC Training. These tools are related, but they serve different purposes.
METRC Tags
METRC tags or labels, often referred d to as Unique ID’s or UID’s are official identifiers purchased through approved state vendors. They are used to track plants and packages in METRC.
Plant tags identify individual plants. Package tags identify batches, lots, or packages of product within METRC. Each tag or label has a uniquie 26 digit ID number, as well as facility information printed on it. These METRC Tags or UIDs are associated with “a lot” of products. “A lot” meaning a group of similar items, of the same batch. One UID may represent 30 units of edible chocolate bars.
RFID
RFID refers to the technology used on METRC plant and package tags. RFID tags can be scanned using compatible readers.
In the cannabis industry, RFID is most commonly used for plants and packages, or lots, not individual retail units.
Barcodes
Barcodes, sometimes QR codes, may be used to help track a package. This is a scannable ID placed on a label. Often, cultivators, manufacturers and sometimes retailers prefer to generate barcodes or QR codes with an ID that is different than the METRC UID, as they prefer a shorter number of digits. Also, often times, producers are assigning this barcode or ID before the final METRC tag is issued. Often, this barcode is generated at the time that the source METRC tag is created, before an RFID is assigned for each lot to be distributed to various locations.
METRC Retail IDs
METRC Retail IDs are unit level identifiers applied to finished goods. They are typically printed as QR codes and placed on each individual product sold to consumers, by the cultivator or manufacturer.
Retail IDs do not replace plant tags, package tags or barcodes. They add an additional layer of tracking, in METRC, at the unit level.
A simple way we explain this during our METRC Training:
- Plant tags track plants
- Package tags track packages or lots
- Retail IDs track individual products
What States Use METRC Retail IDs
Retail ID functionality exists across multiple METRC states, but requirements vary by market.
Some states currently support Retail IDs as optional functionality, while others are moving toward mandatory use.
New York METRC Retail ID Requirements
New York is the first state to formally require METRC Retail IDs as part of its seed to sale implementation.
New York has published Retail Item ID enforcement timelines tied to transfers, making Retail IDs a required compliance step for certain transactions.
Key points for METRC Training in New York include:
- METRC is required as of December 17, 2025
- February 28, 2026: Any finished good products leaving a distribution facility to transfer to a dispensary MUST have Retail Item ID QR code on each unit.
- March 31, 2026 • Any finished good products leaving a distribution facility to transfer to a dispensary at this time MUST have:
- A Retail Item ID QR code on each unit; AND
- A “TestPassed” or “RetestPassed” testing status associated to each package prior to transfer.
Because New York is a new METRC market, many other states are watching closely. New York’s approach is likely to influence future regulatory updates elsewhere.
How METRC Retail IDs Impact Operation
Retail IDs affect different license types in different ways. METRC Training and SOPs should be role specific.
For Brands and Processors
Brands and processors must determine where Retail IDs fit into their production and labeling workflow.
Key considerations include:
- When Retail IDs are generated in METRC
- Where labels are printed and applied
- How to prevent mislabeling or duplication
- How Retail IDs stay tied to the correct package and test results
Retail ID errors at this stage can delay transfers and create compliance risk.
For Distributors
Distributors benefit from clearer unit level visibility when Retail IDs are used correctly.
Operational impacts include:
- Faster receiving and intake scanning
- Cleaner transfer documentation (COA’s are included within the QR code of the Retail ID)
- Improved alignment with ERP and METRC integrations
Distributors should update receiving SOPs and METRC Training to include Retail ID verification.
For Dispensaries
Retail IDs can significantly change intake and checkout workflows.
For dispensaries, Retail ID impacts include:
- Scanning the actual unit sold to the customer
- Providing the customer with access to test results
- Reduced reliance on internal barcodes
- Simplified inventory reconciliation
Dispensary METRC Training should cover how Retail IDs interact with POS systems and inventory counts.
Common METRC Retail ID Questions
Are METRC Retail IDs the same as package tags
No. Package tags identify packages or lots in METRC. Retail IDs identify individual consumer units.
Do businesses pay for Retail ID’s
Possibly, Yes. In some states, in addition to METRC tags businesses will pay for Retail ID’s. New York, for example, pays 10 cents ($0.1) per ID. However, this does vary by state.
Are dispensaries required to purchase Retail IDs in New York
New York guidance indicates dispensaries are not required to purchase Retail Item IDs. Retail IDs are generated in METRC and applied earlier in the supply chain.
Are Retail IDs required in every state
No. Requirements vary by state. Some states support Retail IDs as optional functionality, while New York has published mandatory enforcement dates.
What happens when a consumer scans a Retail ID
Depending on the state and available data, a consumer may see product details such as origin, ingredients, and certificates of analysis.
What Your SOPs and METRC Training Should Include
Retail IDs require more than a quick walkthrough. Effective METRC Training should be task based and role specific.
Your SOP library should include:
- Retail ID generation and printing procedures
- Label application and quality control checks
- Receiving and transfer verification steps
- Retail intake and checkout scanning workflows
- Exception handling for damaged labels, returns, and relabeling
Retail ID compliance issues often surface during audits or transfers. Proper METRC Training prevents costly delays.
METRC Training Resources and Next Steps
If your team is preparing for Retail ID requirements or wants to get ahead of future enforcement, structured METRC Training is essential. Whether your state uses Retail ID’s or not, the following resources are available to help your team maximize their knowledge and skills on METRC.
Download METRC Training Guides
Get a downloadable METRC training guide
- Cultivation, Manufacturing/Processing, Distribution and Retail METRC workflows
- Administrative steps
- Role Based
- Operational best practices
- Including guide on use of new METRC Retail ID!
Download SOP Templates
Get up to date, state specific, department specific SOPS here:
Cannabis Standard Operating Procedures
- Labeling SOP including use of METRC and Retail ID’s
- Transfer and receiving SOP updates
- Dispensary intake and POS SOPs
Enroll in METRC Training
Get METRC Training here:
- Live team training
- New hire onboarding
- Audit and go live preparation
METRC Guides, METRC Training and SOPs will be tailored specifically to your state and operations.
