How do I access the Illinois cannabis tracking system?

To access the Illinois cannabis tracking system, cannabis operators must first obtain a state license. Once licensed, operators will receive an email with instructions to register on Metrc's official website and set up their account. Registration includes mandatory training to ensure compliance.

What are the key features of METRC Illinois?

METRC Illinois offers several key features, including real-time tracking from seed to sale, RFID tag system for inventory management, and compliance reporting. It facilitates monitoring of plant cultivation, harvest, product packaging, and sales, ensuring comprehensive regulatory compliance.

How does Illinois cannabis tracking system ensure compliance?

The Illinois cannabis tracking system, Metrc, ensures compliance by requiring operators to record specific data points throughout the supply chain. This includes plant cultivation, inventory management, and sales. Metrc tags with RFID technology further enhance traceability and compliance.

Transitioning from BioTrack to Metrc Track and Trace

Illinois is currently transitioning from BioTrack to Metrc as the state-mandated track-and-trace system for cannabis. If you're a licensed operator in Illinois, that means it's time to start preparing for a big shift.

But what does this change mean for your cannabis business? How can you remain compliant with Metrc’s requirements—and make the switch without disrupting your day-to-day operations?

Don't stress. We’ve put together a complete guide to help you successfully move from BioTrack to Metrc in Illinois.

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Key Dates for Transitioning from BioTrack to Metrc in Illinois

Illinois is officially transitioning to Metrc through a phased onboarding approach to ensure a smooth handoff from BioTrack. Each license type has specific onboarding windows, and all operators are expected to be fully operational in Metrc by mid-June 2025.

Here’s a summary of the key milestones:

March–April 2025: Initial Rollout

March 27–28: Webinars for Testing Labs and Transporters
April 1: Credentialing opens for Transporters and Testing Labs
April 18: All Testing Labs and Transporters must be in Metrc
April 21–24: In-person Metrc Roadshows
April 25: Credentialing opens for all license types
April 28: Operators begin ordering Metrc plant and package tags

May 2025: Full System Access and Inventory Migration

May 1–25: All licensees gain full access to Metrc
May 25:
- Last day to use BioTrack for cannabis testing
- All untested inventory and plants must be tagged in Metrc
May 27: Operators begin moving BioTrack packages into Metrc

June 2025: System Cutover

June 2:
- Dispensaries begin receiving product via Metrc transfers
- All license types should be functioning in Metrc
June 10: Dispensaries can no longer receive tested BioTrack inventory
June 17: Final transition deadline – all licensees must be fully operational in Metrc

July 1, 2025: BioTrack Access Shut Off

After July 1, operators will no longer be able to access BioTrack for any reporting or transfers. All compliance activities must occur through Metrc from this point forward.

📌 Reminder: Be sure to attend your required Metrc training and coordinate with your POS or third-party integrator early to avoid disruptions.

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Which States Currently Use Metrc?

Many states have adopted Metrc as their designated regulatory system for cannabis operations. This system is used in:

Key Differences Between BioTrack and Metrc

While both systems support cannabis compliance, they operate very differently. Here are the most important differences you need to know:

🔖 Metrc Tags vs. BioTrack Tags

BioTrack allows operators to print their own tags and assign random numbers.
Metrc requires the use of official RFID tags, each with a unique ID, ordered directly from Metrc.

📢 Good to know: In Illinois, Metrc tags are provided at no cost to licensees. You still have to order them, but you won’t be charged.

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Managing Plants and Packages

BioTrack automates post-harvest workflows; each clone requires a separate tag.
Metrc requires more manual movement of plants between stages, but allows tagging grouped items like clones under a single UID.

Metrc requires identifiers on all post-harvest materials, making tracking more granular and auditable.

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How to Prepare for the Switch: Metrc Illinois

Step 1: Get Licensed

You must hold a valid state license before you can register with Metrc. If you’re still waiting on approval, this is your first step.

Step 2: Register with Metrc

Once licensed, you’ll receive an email from Metrc with your registration link and setup instructions. You won’t be able to do much until you complete training.

Step 3: Complete Mandatory Metrc Training

Training is required before you can begin using Metrc. Once Illinois is listed on Metrc’s Partners Page, follow these steps:

Click on Illinois
Find the section titled “Welcome to Metrc’s Training Resources”
Select New Business Training

This training covers the basics of Metrc, key features, and compliance workflows.

Step 4: Order Your Metrc Tags

Use your Metrc account to place an order:

Go to Admin > Tag Orders > New Tag Order
Submit your request
When tags arrive, mark them as received to activate them

Tags are required for both plants and packages and contain key info like license number and UID.

Step 5: Configure Your Metrc Account

Once your account is active, you’ll need to enter:

Product names and categories
Units of measure
Ingredients (if applicable)
SKUs and item types

This setup step ensures you're ready to start recording inventory, transferring packages, and remaining compliant.

Metrc Tags?

Exactly! This is another important requirement. For Metrc compliance, cannabis businesses must use Metrc tags, which are stickers used to identify and track products throughout the supply chain.

There are two types of Metrc tags: plant and package. The former are attached to your plants, while the latter are for the containers that hold products from the same lot. Both contain a 24-digit unique identification number (UID) and other relevant pieces of information, such as the license number.

Step 6: Mark Your Tags as Received in Metrc

Do you already have your Metrc tags? Great! The time to start functioning as a Metrc-compliant operator has finally arrived! But you must do something first.

Log in to Metrc and mark your new tags as “received” before you start using them. To do this, go to the “Tag Orders” section in the Admin menu.

Step 7: Get the Rest of Your Metrc Account Up and Running

As the final step before you start reporting your operations on Metrc, you'll have to set up the rest of your account. For this process, you must manually enter all the ingredients you need for your products and all the items you plan to buy and sell.

Although this may vary from state to state (and Illinois may have other requirements), you'll likely be required to provide the following information:

Item names
Units of measure
Weight
Ingredients, if entering edibles
Categories

Once you're all set up, you'll be able to start buying and selling products. But remember that you must accurately transfer and receive the associated tags to avoid issues.

Where Do You Sign up for Metrc?

Metrc registration in Illinois is expected to follow the same process as other states, but keep in mind that this is a system transition—not a first-time rollout. Stay up to date with guidance from:

CROO (Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer)
IDOA (Department of Agriculture)
IDFPR (Department of Financial and Professional Regulation)
DCEO (Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity)

Streamline the Transition with Distru

Switching systems is a big deal. If you're used to BioTrack, Metrc’s manual workflows can feel overwhelming. That’s why many cannabis operators turn to third-party software to simplify their operations.

Distru is a powerful cannabis ERP built for operators like you. With live two-way Metrc sync, Distru:

Eliminates double entry
Mirrors your data in real-time
Reduces manual errors
Keeps your team audit-ready

You don’t have to manage this transition alone—or yell at your screen when Metrc crashes.

Pro Tips for Transitioning from BioTrack to Metrc in Illinois

Educate your team early—everyone should understand how Metrc works
Complete Metrc training and registration by the state’s deadline
Organize your product catalog and naming conventions
Keep an eye on your inventory and prep for tagging
Use software with Metrc integration like Distru to avoid extra work

Distru's Live 2-way Metrc Integration

Metrc compliance? That's challenging enough, so we shouldn't add hours of workload to this already complex equation. Instead, we can use seed-to-sale software to simplify our workflow.

If you're looking for seed-to-sale software, you'll see an ocean of options out there. But, Distru stands out among them all. Why? Well, we're the only solution with a live 2-way sync with Metrc.

To put it another way, you won't have to enter data twice. Instead, Distru will mirror it on Metrc, even if this system crashes (again). Besides helping you reduce labor time, this seed-to-sale software will save you the headaches that cannabis operators experience when their track and trace system goes offline.