Metrc (Maine) Bulletin ME_IB_0067 notifies all Maine cannabis licensees that Metrc tag order prices will increase for tags purchased through the Metrc system, effective 09/01/2026. This article summarizes the new tag pricing, why the change is happening, and what operators should do to plan for the cost increase in day-to-day operations.
Metrc Bulletin ME_IB_0067 overview (Maine)
Bulletin number: ME_IB_0067
Distribution date: 08/18/2026
Effective date: 09/01/2026
Subject: Metrc Tag Order Price Update
Who it applies to: All Metrc licensees ordering Metrc tags in Maine.
Starting September 1, 2026, the per-tag price will increase for all listed Metrc tag types ordered through the Metrc system. Even though the per-unit changes are small, they can meaningfully impact high-volume cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers that order large quantities of plant and package tags.
New Metrc tag prices in Maine (effective 09/01/2026)
The bulletin provides the current price, new price, and the increase amount for each tag type.
Package Tag: Current $0.25; New $0.26; Increase $0.01.
Individual Plant Tag: Current $0.45; New $0.46; Increase $0.01.
5 Plant Batch Tag: Current $2.25; New $2.30; Increase $0.05.
10 Plant Batch Tag: Current $4.50; New $4.60; Increase $0.10.
25 Plant Batch Tag: Current $11.25; New $11.50; Increase $0.25.
50 Plant Batch Tag: Current $22.50; New $23.00; Increase $0.50.
Why Maine Metrc tag prices are increasing
Metrc notes that this price increase aligns with the tag price increase previously announced by Maine’s OCP in January 2026 and is related to the State of Maine’s new contract with Metrc. In practice, operators should treat this as a state-driven cost adjustment that will be reflected when placing tag orders on and after the effective date.
Practical impact on day-to-day cannabis operations
Budgeting and COGS: If you allocate tag costs into cultivation, production, or retail cost models, update your budgets and per-unit cost assumptions before 09/01/2026. The difference is small per tag but adds up quickly at scale (for example, frequent package tag purchasing for finished goods or high plant counts for cultivation).
Purchasing timing: Review current tag inventory on hand and upcoming production plans. If you routinely run “just in time” on tags, the price change may not disrupt workflows, but it can change monthly spend forecasts.
High-volume cultivation planning: Cultivators using individual or batch plant tags should consider how seasonal canopy expansions and harvest cycles affect tag ordering frequency, because any increase is multiplied across plant counts.
Packaging throughput: Manufacturers and distributors that create many packages should account for the increase in package tag costs, especially where packaging volume is driven by splitting lots into many small retail-ready units.
Metrc workflow considerations for tag ordering and control
Order through Metrc: The bulletin applies to tags ordered through the Metrc system, so your accounting team should expect the higher unit prices on Metrc tag invoices starting 09/01/2026.
Internal controls: Maintain tight controls over tag storage, issuance, and reconciliation. Avoiding lost, damaged, or misapplied tags becomes slightly more important as unit costs rise and as audits often review inventory and traceability controls.
Procurement coordination: Ensure cultivation, manufacturing, and retail teams communicate forecasts to whoever places Metrc tag orders so you can avoid expedited reorders or workflow stoppages caused by tag shortages.
Labeling implications and Metrc Retail ID readiness
While this bulletin is specifically about tag pricing, it is a good operational moment to review your labeling workflow, especially where Metrc data flows into your labels (such as package identifiers or retail traceability fields required by your state program).
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, and it can help teams keep label templates accurate when product identifiers and regulatory fields (including Metrc Retail ID requirements where applicable) must appear consistently and correctly.
DistruERP: For larger operators that need end-to-end inventory, compliance, and supply chain control, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed to manage complex multi-step workflows across cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations.
Metrc support and training resources
Metrc Support: Submit and track a case via the Metrc Support Portal or call 877-566-6506.
• Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. ET–10 p.m. ET
• Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. ET
• Sunday, voicemail or portal only
Metrc Support Portal: https://support.metrc.com
Metrc Learn: On-demand training is available through Metrc Learn (also accessible from the Support drop-down inside Metrc). https://learn.metrc.com
Metrc Expert: Use the in-app knowledge base (widget icon in the lower right-hand corner of Metrc) to access step-by-step guidance and articles.
Metrc state resources: Visit Metrc’s website and navigate to your state partner page for state-specific training links and updates. https://www.metrc.com
