Getting to Know BioTrack

Recreational marijuana use was legalized in New York on March 31st, 2021 under the Marijuana Regulation and Tax Act. Also known as “adult use” cannabis, recreational cannabis is legally differentiated from medical marijuana in the state of New York.

In 2014, Medical marijuana was legalized in the state of New York under the Compassionate Care Act. Despite their differing legislation, all cannabis-related programs, including recreational marijuana use, are regulated by The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). A five-member Cannabis Control Board oversees the OCM.

The first state-issued licenses for recreational dispensaries weren’t issued until November 2022. In the 20-month gap between legalization and the issuance of licenses, New York saw a rise in unlicensed dispensaries catering to recreational use.

Cannabis-Based Businesses in New York Must Use An Inventory Tracking System That Can Transmit Data to BioTrack

BioTrack’s seed to sale platform allows New York’s Office of Cannabis Management to monitor the marijuana growth and distribution chain for issues. For standardization, all cannabis licensees in New York must use an Inventory Tracking System that can communicate data with BioTrack's system.

Examples of businesses required to use an Inventory Tracking System are:

Growers

Sole Proprietors

Packagers

Retail establishments

Distributors and Transporters

Labs

If you are unfamiliar with BioTrack software, a phone number, web address and other helpful resources are provided below.

Adult-Use Cannabis License Applications Are Now Open for Submission!

As of October 4, 2023, the CCB is accepting new applications for adult-use cannabis licenses. These applications will close again on December 4, 2023 at 5:00PM EST so if you're planning to apply, now is the time!

Before you apply, make sure you check out our guide for all the info and links you'll need to get started:

Guide: How to Apply for a New York Adult-Use Cannabis License in 2023

Almost all applications will require a vendor contract or purchase order for an electronic inventory tracking system to be considered eligible. So, once you start getting your application docs in order, get in touch with our team. We can set you up with a demo and purchase order so you're good to go.

Third Party Integrations Streamline the Process and Reduce Time Investment

Track and trace platforms are built for the government to monitor product life cycle and ensure standardized compliance. While this might be great for them, using any track and trace platform directly is a burden for licensees. It often means constant double-handling of data, inevitably human error and a lot of frustration.

This isn’t commentary on BioTrack in particular, it’s the nature of this type of platform.

To avoid all of this, most cannabis businesses use a third party cannabis seed to sale software that integrates with BioTrack. By doing this, you get a cleaner interface, more streamlined workflow and the ability to integrate with your other processes. Less double-handling, less swearing and more time to focus on other important tasks. All while staying compliant with government regulations.

So What Is BioTrack, Exactly?

BioTrack is one of the major track-and-trace solutions in the cannabis industry. The system provides state regulators with a traceable history of every single cannabis-based product sold in their jurisdiction—from cultivation and production to transportation and the final retail sale.

Since it’s required as part of virtually everything you do in New York state, BioTrack will sit at the core of your daily operations. Staying compliant is a complex and critical part of operating a cannabis business in NY.

Does New York Allow Any BioTrack Alternatives?

No, there are no BioTrack alternatives allowed in New York at all. Every cannabis business, recreational or medical, must use an Inventory Tracking System that can transmit data to BioTrack.

That said, they do allow third party applications to help you stay compliant and streamline your workflow. These platforms don’t replace BioTrack, they leverage automation and a more user-friendly interface to make those BioTrack tasks easier to manage.

Distru's New York Cultivator Directory 2024

Looking for a licensed cannabis cultivator near you? Check out our directory, loaded with some of the best cultivators New York has to offer!

Check Out Our Directory ➜

FAQs

Can I purchase recreational cannabis right now in the state of New York?

Currently, legal recreational cannabis is not available in New York. As of this writing, when licensed recreational cannabis dispensaries open, residents aged 21 and older will be able to purchase with a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license, passport, military ID card.)

Can I purchase medical cannabis right now in the state of New York?

Yes, all New York residents who are 18 or older may buy medical cannabis in New York. Minors under 18 may also purchase medical cannabis if accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years of age or older. To purchase cannabis for medical purposes, all buyers must have Medical Cannabis Program ID cards.

What medical condition(s) do I need to have to qualify for marijuana treatment?

Marijuana may be legally used to treat many conditions in the state of New York. Your health provider may prescribe marijuana for many maladies at their discretion.

Who should I speak to regarding retail cannabis licensing in New York?

All recreational cannabis licensing in the state of New York is overseen by the Office of Cannabis Management, and specifically by a five-member Cannabis Control Board.

Are there application fees for a cannabis dispensary license? What are the associated costs?

When applying for your NY adult-use cannabis license, you'll be charged a non-refundable application fee. The amount will vary depending on your structure, but for a standard application, the cost will be $1,000.

Once approved, license fees will also be required. The cost of these fees will vary drastically depending on factors like business type and how many premises you'll be operating out of.

Check out our NY license application guide for a more detailed look at the licensing fees.

What is BioTrack?

New York is using BioTrack as their official cannabis seed to sale platform. As with similar platforms (e.g. Metrc), BioTrack monitors cannabis products from the original seed through to final sale at a dispensary.

Additionally, BioTrack tracks all cannabis products, and assists with inventory and inspections.

Do cannabis retailers in New York need to keep records?

Yes. As per legal statute, all cannabis retailers in New York must keep precise records regarding almost all facets of their business.

To be compliant with these requirements, most facilities use a seed-to-sale tracking system. These systems track a user’s inventory as well as all transactions.

What’s the status of Distru in New York?

Distru is currently serving New York cannabis operators, as well as operators all across the United States - with software being provided to 150+ companies. Distru has been operating for over 6 years offering cannabis licensees software to streamline supply chain and compliance.

A Distru Guide

BioTrack
New York

Distru Powers Compliance for Top Cannabis Brands

Getting to Know BioTrack

Cannabis Operations are Made Easier with Distru

Distru's Features

Centralized Order Dashboard

Cannabis Specific Workflows

Distru's New York Cultivator Directory 2024

FAQs

Have Specific Questions?

States We Serve

Metrc States We Serve

Useful Links

Solutions

Compare Distru

A Distru Guide

BioTrack New York

Distru Powers Compliance for Top Cannabis Brands

Getting to Know BioTrack

Cannabis-Based Businesses in New York Must Use An Inventory Tracking System That Can Transmit Data to BioTrack

Adult-Use Cannabis License Applications Are Now Open for Submission!

Third Party Integrations Streamline the Process and Reduce Time Investment

So What Is BioTrack, Exactly?

Does New York Allow Any BioTrack Alternatives?

Cannabis Operations are Made Easier with Distru

Distru's Features

Centralized Order Dashboard

Cannabis Specific Workflows

Distru's New York Cultivator Directory 2024

FAQs

Can I purchase recreational cannabis right now in the state of New York?

Can I purchase medical cannabis right now in the state of New York?

What medical condition(s) do I need to have to qualify for marijuana treatment?

Who should I speak to regarding retail cannabis licensing in New York?

Are there application fees for a cannabis dispensary license? What are the associated costs?

What is BioTrack?

Do cannabis retailers in New York need to keep records?

What’s the status of Distru in New York?

Have Specific Questions?

States We Serve

Metrc States We Serve

Useful Links

Solutions

Compare Distru

BioTrack
New York