Staying Compliant with the Montana Department of Revenue - Cannabis Control Division (CCD) in 2024
Metrc, short for Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting and Compliance, is the mandatory cannabis tracking system used in Montana. It provides comprehensive seed-to-sale tracking for all cannabis supply chain activities, ensuring a secure and regulated ecosystem. All licensed cannabis businesses in Montana are required to use Metrc MT for inventory management, compliance reporting, and product tracking to adhere to state regulations, prevent illegal diversion, and safeguard public health and safety.
Montana's cannabis industry has evolved significantly since the legalization of medical marijuana in 2004 through Initiative 148, with adult-use (recreational) cannabis becoming legal in 2021. The Cannabis Control Division (CCD), a branch of the Montana Department of Revenue, oversees the implementation of the Montana Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MMRT). To ensure compliance and maintain a secure cannabis ecosystem, Montana mandates the use of Metrc MT for all licensed cannabis businesses, covering both medical and adult-use sectors.
Metrc Montana, also known as MT Metrc, serves as the state's official track-and-trace system. This platform is crucial for monitoring the entire lifecycle of cannabis products, from seed to sale. All licensed cannabis operators must integrate with the Metrc Montana login system to report their activities, including cultivation, processing, testing, and retail sales. The Montana Metrc system plays a vital role in preventing diversion, ensuring product safety, and maintaining transparency throughout the supply chain. As the industry continues to mature in 2024, compliance with Metrc MT remains a cornerstone of legal cannabis operations in Montana, supporting the state's efforts to regulate the market effectively and protect public health.
Watch our Metrc Master Series Webinar!
Industry leaders from Distru, Trym, and Meadow walk you through the entire Cannabis supply chain from Seed to Sale.
Metrc, short for Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting & Compliance, is the official seed-to-sale tracking system mandated by the state of Montana. MT Metrc serves as a crucial tool for the Cannabis Control Division to monitor and regulate the cannabis industry. Implemented to ensure compliance, prevent diversion, and maintain public safety, Metrc MT is an integral part of Montana's cannabis ecosystem, tracking every plant and product from cultivation to sale.
All licensed cannabis businesses in Montana are required to use Metrc for inventory management, reporting, and compliance:
If you’re not already using Metrc, you’ll find a list of helpful resources below that can get you started. Once you’re licensed and up and running, take a look at our Seed to Sale software to see how you can streamline your operations and simplify the entire process, saving you time and money.
Montana law requires all licensed cannabis businesses to use Montana Metrc for comprehensive seed-to-sale tracking. This system, as mandated by 16-12-105, MCA, ensures that every cannabis plant and product is accounted for throughout its lifecycle. Metrc MT tracking begins with the planting of seeds or clones and continues through cultivation, harvesting, processing, testing, packaging, and ultimately, sale to consumers.
Montana does not allow any alternatives to Metrc for cannabis tracking and compliance. The Montana Department of Revenue mandates that all licensed medical and adult-use marijuana businesses in the state must use Metrc Montana as their exclusive track-and-trace system. This requirement ensures uniformity in reporting and compliance across the state's cannabis industry. While MT Metrc remains the sole approved platform for inventory tracking and regulatory reporting, third-party software solutions like Distru play a crucial role in helping businesses streamline their Metrc compliance.
Distru offers a comprehensive cannabis ERP and seed-to-sale software specifically designed for Montana cannabis businesses. It integrates seamlessly with the Metrc Montana system, simplifying the Montana Metrc login process and enhancing overall operational efficiency. By using Distru alongside Metrc, cannabis operators in Montana can benefit from advanced inventory management, streamlined reporting, and improved compliance workflows, all while adhering to the state's strict regulatory requirements.
While Metrc Montana is the required tracking system for all licensed cannabis operations in the state, businesses can significantly enhance their operations by integrating with Distru, a comprehensive cannabis ERP and seed-to-sale software. MT Metrc serves as the backbone for compliance, but Distru elevates your business processes to new heights of efficiency and control.
Distru seamlessly integrates with Metrc Montana, ensuring that all required data flows automatically between the two systems. This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing errors and saving valuable time. With Distru, cannabis businesses can manage their entire operation - from cultivation and processing to distribution and retail - all while maintaining perfect synchronization with Montana Metrc.
Key benefits of using Distru alongside Metrc MT include:
- Streamlined cannabis inventory management that automatically updates Metrc
- Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities
- Order management and fulfillment tools
- Cultivation tracking that aligns with Metrc requirements
- Automated compliance checks to ensure adherence to Montana regulations
By leveraging Distru's powerful cannabis ERP and seed-to-sale features in conjunction with Metrc Montana, businesses can focus on growth and innovation while ensuring full compliance. The seamless integration between Distru and Metrc provides a comprehensive solution that addresses both regulatory requirements and operational needs, setting your cannabis business up for success in Montana's competitive market.
The Montana Administrative Rules, specifically ARM 42.39.202 and ARM 42.39.203, outline the requirements for using Metrc MT. These rules detail how cannabis businesses must interact with the system, including reporting timeframes, required data points, and compliance standards. Understanding these rules is essential for any cannabis business operating in Montana to ensure proper use of Montana Metrc.
Metrc Montana operates using a system of unique identifiers and RFID tags. Each cannabis plant receives a tag with a unique ID, which is used to track its progress from seedling to harvest. Similarly, packages of cannabis products receive their own identifiers. Businesses must regularly update MT Metrc with information about plant growth, harvests, processing, testing results, and sales. This comprehensive tracking allows for full transparency and traceability within Montana's cannabis supply chain.
In Montana, Metrc tags are used as follows:
With all of this info tracked, at any point in the produce cycle, you can also trace everything back to the exact plant and location it came from.
Metrc package tags
Similar to plant tags, a package tag gets attached to every package. Each package can contain only one type of product and is given a unique 24-digit number to identify it with.
The cost of Metrc tags in Montana
Plant tags cost 45c each while package tags cost 25c each.
How to purchase Metrc tags
Both plant and package tags are purchased direct from Metrc. Once logged in, you’ll find ‘Tag Orders’ under the Admin menu in the top right hand corner.
Embarking on your journey with Metrc Montana is a crucial step for any cannabis business in the Treasure State. The process begins with obtaining a valid license from the Montana Cannabis Control Division (CCD). Once your license is approved, you'll receive instructions to access the Metrc MT system.
License Requirements:
- Apply for and obtain a cannabis business license from the Montana CCD
- Ensure your license is active and in good standing
- Complete any required Metrc training as mandated by the state
Setup Process:
- Upon license approval, you'll receive an email with your Metrc Montana login credentials
- Access the Metrc Montana website using these credentials
- Complete your account setup, including verifying your business information
- Order your initial supply of Metrc tags for plants and packages
To streamline your Metrc integration process, consider implementing Distru, a leading cannabis ERP and seed-to-sale software.
Mastering Metrc MT is crucial for success in Montana's cannabis industry. Here are key best practices:
- Regular inventory auditing: Conduct weekly reconciliations between your physical inventory and Metrc Montana data. This proactive approach helps identify discrepancies early.
- Proper employee management in Metrc: Assign appropriate access levels to staff and regularly update user permissions. Deactivate accounts of former employees promptly.
- Package management and sales finalization: Create accurate packages in MT Metrc and finalize all sales daily. This ensures real-time compliance and accurate reporting.
- Reading Metrc bulletins: Stay informed about system updates and regulatory changes by regularly checking Metrc Montana bulletins.
Implementing these practices alongside a robust cannabis ERP like Distru can significantly streamline your Montana Metrc compliance efforts.
Awareness of common pitfalls can help you maintain compliance with Metrc MT:
- Overselling on medical cards: Implement strict cannabis inventory controls and use and track patient purchase limits.
- Incorrect package adjustments: Train staff on proper adjustment procedures and use Distru's quality control features to minimize errors.
- Delayed reporting of harvests: Set up automated alerts in your cannabis ERP to ensure timely reporting of harvests to Metrc Montana.
- Strategies to maintain compliance: Regularly audit your Metrc MT data, conduct staff training, and utilize Distru's compliance checklist feature to stay on top of regulatory requirements.
Metrc Montana usage varies by license type:
Cannabis Cultivators: Track plants from seedling to harvest, record strain information, and manage plant tags in MT Metrc.
Manufacturers and processors: Log incoming materials, track production batches, and record test results in Metrc Montana.
Dispensaries: Manage inventory, record sales, and ensure patient limits are observed using Metrc MT.
Reporting differences:
While core tracking principles are consistent, specific reporting requirements may vary. Distru's license-specific workflows ensure you meet all Montana Metrc requirements for your business type.
Accessing your Metrc Montana login:
- Visit the official Metrc MT website.
- Enter your username and password.
- Complete any required two-factor authentication.
Common login issues and solutions:
Forgotten password:
- Use the "Forgot Password" link on the Metrc Montana login page.
Account lockout:
- Contact Metrc MT support for assistance.
Browser compatibility:
- Ensure you're using a supported web browser.
Security best practices:
- Use strong, unique passwords for your Metrc Montana login.
- Never share login credentials.
- Log out after each session.
For seamless access, consider using Distru's single sign-on feature, which securely manages your Metrc MT credentials while providing easy access to both systems.
Metrc provides various training resources to help Montana cannabis businesses navigate the system and maintain compliance. These resources include:
Metrc contact information
info@metrc.com
support@metrc.com
Phone: 1-877-566-6506
Official Metrc resources
Official Metrc Montana information
Guide: What is Metrc?
Metrc support and training
Government resources
Cannabis Control Division
Montana Metrc compliance can be complex and time-consuming. Distru simplifies this with our all-in-one cannabis ERP and seed-to-sale software, seamlessly integrating with METRC requirements while focusing on growing your business in the Treasure State.
Schedule a DemoDistru is more than just a Metrc Montana integration; it's a comprehensive compliance solution tailored to the unique needs of cannabis businesses in the Treasure State. Our software combines robust compliance features with operational tools to help you manage your entire supply chain, including cannabis accounting, ERP, data analytics, and order fulfillment. Designed specifically for Montana's regulatory landscape, Distru empowers cannabis operators to streamline their operations while maintaining full compliance with state regulations.
Key features of Distru include:
We've seen it all before, and we're here to help.