Staying Compliant with the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission in 2024
METRC (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance) is New Jersey's official cannabis traceability system, adopted following the state's legalization of recreational marijuana in 2020-2021. Selected by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), METRC serves as the seed-to-sale tracking system for both medical and adult-use cannabis markets in the Garden State. This platform ensures end-to-end supply chain visibility, from cultivation to point of sale, helping New Jersey maintain a safe, compliant, and equitable cannabis marketplace.
New Jersey's cannabis landscape has evolved significantly since the 2010 passage of the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA), which established the state's medical cannabis program. A major shift occurred in 2021 with the approval of the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act, legalizing recreational marijuana for adults over 21.
To ensure compliance and transparency across both medical and recreational sectors, New Jersey has implemented Metrc as its official seed-to-sale tracking system. Metrc serves as a comprehensive inventory management tool, aiming to protect consumers, prevent diversion, and provide an efficient system for cannabis businesses. From cultivation to point of sale, Metrc helps maintain a safe, regulated, and equitable cannabis marketplace in the Garden State, aligning New Jersey with numerous other states using this system to oversee their legal cannabis ecosystems.
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New Jersey requires all licensed cannabis businesses to use Metrc for seed-to-sale tracking. This ensures that the state can monitor the movement of cannabis products, prevent diversion to the illegal market, and collect accurate tax revenue. By mandating the use of Metrc, New Jersey maintains a transparent and accountable cannabis industry that prioritizes public health and safety.
All cannabis businesses in New Jersey must be registered and use Metrc's track and trace system. This applies to all medical and adult-use marijuana commercial licensees:
By implementing Metrc, New Jersey can effectively oversee its cannabis industry, ensuring legal compliance and safeguarding public interests.
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.
Metrc tags are unique identifiers attached to cannabis plants and products, allowing for precise tracking throughout the supply chain. These tags are part of the seed-to-sale tracking system and are known as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags.
There are two types:
1. Plant Tags ($0.45 each): Attached to individual plants, including facility name, license number, use type (medical/recreational), date ordered, and unique plant ID.
2. Package Tags ($0.25 each): Used for harvested material and finished products. Feature a unique 24-digit identifier.
In New Jersey, cultivators use plant tags from seedling to harvest, while processors and retailers use package tags for inventory. These tags enable real-time tracking throughout the supply chain, ensuring compliance and preventing diversion. Licensed operators purchase tags directly through their Metrc account, supporting New Jersey's efforts to maintain a safe, transparent cannabis market.
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.
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.
As of now, New Jersey does not allow alternatives to Metrc for state-mandated cannabis tracking. The nj CRC has designated Metrc as the sole official track-and-trace system for the state's cannabis industry. While businesses may use additional internal cannabis inventory management systems, these must integrate with Metrc for official compliance reporting. All licensed cannabis businesses in New Jersey are required to use Metrc for their regulatory compliance and reporting needs.
To obtain a Metrc certificate in New Jersey:
1. Receive your cannabis business license from the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC)
2. Register for a Metrc account using your license information
3. Complete the required Metrc New Business Training
4. Pass the associated quiz to receive your certificate
5. Metrc will then provide your account credentials
Metrc NJ login:
1. Visit the Metrc New Jersey login page
2. Enter your username and password
For password reset:
1. Click "Forgot Password" on the login page
2. Enter your username and the email associated with your account
3. Follow the instructions sent to your email to reset your password
If you encounter issues, contact Metrc support at 1-877-566-6506 or support@metrc.co
Metrc New Jersey offers an API (Application Programming Interface) that allows third-party software, like Distru, to integrate with the Metrc system. This integration enables cannabis businesses to streamline their compliance processes and reduce manual data entry.
Distru is a Metrc-validated software that integrates seamlessly with Metrc NJ. By connecting Distru with your Metrc account, you can:
To integrate Distru with your Metrc New Jersey account, reach out to the Distru support team for assistance.
Metrc provides various training resources to help New Jersey 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 New Jersey information
Guide: What is Metrc?
Metrc support and training
Government resources
NJ CRC: Cannabis Regulatory Commission
CRC License Applications
New Jersey compliance can be complex and time-consuming for cannabis businesses. Distru simplifies the process by providing a user-friendly, all-in-one solution that seamlessly integrates with Metrc New Jersey. Our software is designed to streamline compliance workflows, reduce manual data entry, and provide advanced analytics and reporting features.
Schedule a DemoDistru is more than just a Metrc New Jersey integration; it's a comprehensive compliance solution tailored to the unique needs of cannabis businesses in the Garden State. Our software combines robust compliance features with operational tools to help you manage your entire supply chain, aligning with New Jersey's specific regulations for both medical and adult-use markets.
Key features of Distru include:
We've seen it all before, and we're here to help.