Metrc (District of Columbia) bulletin DC IB 0092 (distributed 04/20/2026; effective 04/21/2026) explains how DC cultivators can bring new seed genetics into Metrc using External Incoming Transfers and how those seed packages may be transferred to retailers and sold through the standard Metrc retail workflow.
Summary of DC IB 0092: new genetics and seed sales
In Washington, DC, Metrc and the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) are directing cultivators to use the External Transfer workflow to properly record seeds sourced from outside of Metrc (“new genetics”).
This process is designed to preserve traceability by ensuring seeds are introduced into the Metrc system as a tagged package created by the receiving DC cultivator, then moved downstream using normal licensed transfer and retail sales processes.
ABCA approval requirement before using “Beginning Inventory Transfer”
The bulletin places a key compliance condition on this workflow: ABCA approval is required before a cultivator can use the external transfer type Beginning Inventory Transfer for bringing in seeds/new genetics.
Approval contact: Requests to bring in new genetics must be approved by Nick McLean at ABCA at Nick.Mclean@dc.gov.
System impact: The “Beginning Inventory Transfer” option will not be available unless ABCA approves and activates it for use.
How DC cultivators bring seeds into Metrc using External Transfers
Step 1: Create a “Seeds” item in Metrc
Before any external seed package can be received, the cultivator must have an item configured for seeds.
Navigation: Admin > Items.
Action: Select “Add Items” and complete required fields such as item name (seed-related naming), category type, unit of measure, and any jurisdiction-required attributes.
Operational implication: Having a dedicated seed item supports consistent package creation, accurate inventory counts, and cleaner reporting when seeds are later planted or transferred to retail.
Step 2: Create an External Incoming Transfer for seeds
Once the seed item exists, the cultivator creates an External Incoming Transfer to document seeds entering Metrc from outside the system.
Navigation: Transfers > External > Incoming.
Action: Select “New Transfer” to open the incoming external transfer form.
Transfer type: Use “Beginning Inventory Transfer” (only after ABCA approval/activation).
Planned Route field: The bulletin indicates licensees may enter “Seeds only external transfer” to clarify the purpose of the record.
How this differs from a standard manifest: Instead of a shipping license initiating the manifest, the receiving cultivator creates the external incoming record to establish the first traceable Metrc entry point for the seeds.
Step 3: Receive (complete) the External Incoming Transfer and create the seed package
After the incoming external transfer is created, the cultivator must complete it to generate a tagged package in Metrc.
Action: Use the “Complete” function on the external transfer record.
During completion: Assign a Metrc package tag to the seed item(s) and assign the appropriate facility location.
Result: When completed, the seed package appears in the license’s Active Packages area, making it available for planting or licensed transfer.
Day-to-day implication: This is the control point where staff must ensure tag assignment and locations are accurate; errors here can ripple into plant batch creation, inventory reconciliation, and downstream retail availability.
Creating plantings from externally received seeds (cultivators)
Once the seeds exist as an active package, the cultivator may use that package to create plantings.
Action: Select the seed package and choose “Create Plantings.”
Information you must provide: Immature Plant Batch name, plant type, plant count, location, strain, and relevant dates.
Result: Metrc creates an Immature Plant Batch, visible under Plants in the Immature area.
Operational implication: This workflow ties the new genetics to a traceable batch record, supporting ongoing compliance for plant movements, growth phase transitions, harvests, and future transfers.
Licensed transfer to retailers and retailer seed sales in Metrc
DC IB 0092 clarifies that once seed packages are created, they may move through the regulated supply chain normally.
Testing status: Seed packages created through this process default to “Not Required” for testing.
Licensed transfer to retail: Cultivators may transfer seed packages to retailers using standard licensed transfers.
Retail receipt workflow: After the retailer receives the seed package into Metrc, the retailer can sell seeds using sales receipts just like any other active package.
Day-to-day implication for retailers: Seeds should be treated as standard tracked inventory—receiving must be timely and accurate, packages must be selected correctly at the point of sale, and receipts must reflect the exact product/package being sold.
Compliance and operational implications for DC operators
Traceability and audit readiness
This bulletin reinforces that seeds introduced from outside Metrc must still enter the system through a documented, ABCA-approved pathway that results in tagged inventory. For compliance teams, that means retaining internal documentation supporting the ABCA approval and aligning internal SOPs with the external incoming transfer event.
Inventory accuracy and workflow training
Because the cultivator assigns tags and locations at completion, staff training matters. Mis-tagging, incorrect units of measure, or using the wrong item configuration can create downstream discrepancies in plant counts, transfers, and retail availability.
Packaging and label execution for retail readiness
Even when seeds are “Not Required” for testing, retailers still need accurate product setup and labeling practices to avoid point-of-sale confusion and compliance issues tied to product identity and Retail ID mapping.
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, helping teams produce clean, consistent labels that support Metrc Retail ID compliance and reduce receipt-time errors.
DistruERP: For larger, multi-department operations that need full supply chain management beyond labeling, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform supporting end-to-end workflows across cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations.
Metrc support and training resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support portal: Access support at https://support.metrc.com (also available from the Support option within the Metrc navigation). First-time users typically need their state, facility license number, and a valid email to set up access.
Metrc Learn training: Training is available through Metrc Learn at https://learn.metrc.com, and may also be accessed from within Metrc via the Support area’s training/sign-up options.
Source: Metrc Support Bulletin DC IB 0092, “New Genetics and Retailer Seed Sales,” distributed 04/20/2026; effective 04/21/2026 (Metrc + ABCA guidance for Washington, DC).
