This update applies to Metrc (District of Columbia) and summarizes Metrc Support Bulletin DC_IB_0095, which introduces a new “Beverage” item category and a corresponding beverage lab test batch for DC operators, along with how to apply the change in day-to-day Metrc workflows.
Bulletin summary and key dates (DC_IB_0095)
Bulletin number: DC_IB_0095
Distribution date: 08/04/2026
Effective date: 08/07/2026
Agency context: Metrc issued this bulletin in conjunction with the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) for District of Columbia licensees.
New Metrc item category: Beverage (DC manufacturers)
Beginning August 7, 2026, Metrc will include a new item category called Beverage. DC manufacturers should use this category when creating compliant beverage products in Metrc.
Practical impact: You cannot simply “change” an existing item into the new category in many workflows; plan on creating a new item in Metrc using the Beverage category so that production, transfers, and testing are correctly categorized and reported.
How operators should implement the new category in daily workflows
When you formulate or package a cannabis beverage, create (or update your internal SKU mapping to) a Metrc item that is categorized as Beverage, then use that item consistently for creation of production batches/packages and downstream activities like lab sampling, results, and retail readiness.
Where Metrc points you for item setup help: Metrc directs users to the in-app Metrc Expert support content for instructions on entering item names and creating items within the system.
Lab test batch update: Beverage testing panel in Metrc
Metrc is also adding a new Lab Test Batch option for Beverages so labs and licensees can select the correct testing template when submitting beverage items for required compliance testing.
Date note for operators: The bulletin states the beverage lab test batch will be available “on August 7, 2025,” while the bulletin’s effective date is 08/07/2026. DC licensees should treat this as effective with the broader 2026 rollout and confirm timing with Metrc Support and ABCA if questions arise.
How item categories connect to lab test batches in Metrc
Metrc ties required testing to the product category (item category) you select. Choosing the correct item category is what drives the appropriate lab test batch options and reduces the risk of rejected tests, compliance delays, or incorrect COA/test records attached to the wrong category.
Required testing by Metrc product category (DC reference)
The bulletin includes a category-to-testing reference. Below is the same information converted into text so teams can apply it when selecting lab test batches.
Raw Plant Material: Metrc category and test batch
Metrc product category: Raw Plant Material (including Flower/Buds, Shake/Trim, Shake/Trim (by strain), and Raw Pre-Rolls)
Lab test batch / required testing:
• Cannabinoid Profile
• Filth & Foreign Matter
• Heavy Metals
• Microbials
• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Total Aerobic Microbial Count
• Total Yeast and Mold Count
• Mycotoxins
• Pesticides
• Terpenes
• Water Activity
Concentrate/Extract: Metrc category and test batch
Metrc product category: Concentrate/Extract (including Bulk Concentrate, Concentrate, Infused Concentrate, Infused Pre-Roll, Tincture, and Vape Cartridge)
Lab test batch / required testing:
• Cannabinoid Profile
• Filth & Foreign Matter
• Heavy Metals
• Microbials
• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Total Aerobic Microbial Count
• Total Yeast and Mold Count
• Moisture Content
• Mycotoxins
• Pesticides
Marijuana Infused Products (Infused Edible): Metrc category and test batch
Metrc product category: Infused Edible
Lab test batch / required testing:
• Cannabinoid Profile
• Filth & Foreign Matter
• Heavy Metals
• Homogeneity
• Microbials
• Aspergillus (Flavus, Fumigatus, Niger, & Terreus)
• E. coli
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Salmonella
• Staphylococcus
• Total Aerobic Microbial Count
• Total Yeast and Mold Count
• Moisture Content
• Mycotoxins
• Pesticides
• pH
• Residual Solvents
• Terpenes
Marijuana Infused Products (Infused Non-Edible): Metrc category and test batch
Metrc product category: Infused Non-Edible (including Infused Topical (Non-Edible) and Pill/Capsule/Suppository)
Lab test batch / required testing (as provided in the bulletin text):
• Cannabinoid Profile
• Filth & Foreign Matter
• Heavy Metals
• Microbials
• Aspergillus flavus
• Aspergillus fumigatus
• Aspergillus niger
• Aspergillus terreus
• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Total Aerobic Microbial Count
• Total Yeast and Mold Count
• Moisture Content
• Mycotoxins
• Pesticides
• Residual Solvents
• Terpenes
Marijuana Liquid Infused Edibles (Beverage): new Metrc category and test batch
Metrc product category: Beverage
Lab test batch / required testing:
• Foreign Matter
• Metals
• Mycotoxins
• Microbials
• L. monocytogenes
• Salmonella, spp.
• STEC
• Total Coliforms
• Staphylococcus
• Total Aerobic
• Potency-Cannabinoid Profile
Operational implications for DC cannabis teams
Manufacturing and inventory setup
If your team produces cannabis beverages, align your internal SKUs to a new Metrc item created under the Beverage category. This reduces rework later when creating packages, requesting samples, and ensuring the correct testing template is selected.
Lab submissions and compliance turnaround
Using the correct product category and matching lab test batch helps prevent avoidable issues such as selecting the wrong testing panel, having results recorded under an incorrect category, or creating delays when regulators or trading partners review COAs tied to Metrc packages.
Retail readiness and labeling coordination
As beverage items move toward retail, make sure package identity, potency expression, and any required identifiers remain consistent from Metrc item setup through labeling so that retail operations can receive, stock, and sell without relabeling or data cleanup.
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, and it can help teams stay aligned with Metrc Retail ID compliance by keeping label content synchronized with operational data.
DistruERP: For larger DC operators that need end-to-end supply chain control, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform supporting broader workflows across manufacturing, inventory, sales, and distribution.
Metrc support and training resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support portal: Use https://support.metrc.com (or the Support area inside Metrc) to open cases and access guides. First-time access typically requires your Metrc-established username, state selection, facility license number, and an email to set a password.
Metrc Learn (training): Metrc Learn is available at https://learn.metrc.com and is also accessible from within the Metrc system via the Support area by selecting “Sign up for Training.”
