Metrc (Maryland) and the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) issued updated guidance for licensees that still have products built on item categories that are now discontinued in Metrc. This article explains what the change means, which categories are affected, how to find impacted items in your Metrc facility, and the operational steps to remake items into valid categories before the compliance deadline.
What this Metrc bulletin requires in Maryland
Metrc and MCA state that items using discontinued item categories must be remade into valid (current) item categories, and the noncompliant (old) item must be discontinued in Metrc by July 31, 2026.
If discontinued-category items remain after that date, MCA may revoke them. In day-to-day operations, that can immediately disrupt common workflows such as creating new packages, assigning correct item categories for adult-use reporting, and maintaining consistent product catalogs across facilities.
Discontinued vs current Maryland item categories (Metrc mapping)
The following discontinued categories should be remade into the listed current categories in Metrc (Maryland):
Capsule/Chewable Gel for Oral Admin: Infused Edible (Capsule Only)
Edible for Oral Admin: Infused Edible
Kief: Concentrate (Each) or Concentrate (Weight)
Lozenge: Infused Edible
Oils for Oral Admin: Tincture for Oral Administration
Solution for Oral Admin: Tincture for Oral Administration
This guidance aligns with the expectation that packages created after the implementation of adult-use item categories must be properly categorized for compliance and reporting.
How to identify existing items using discontinued categories in Metrc
To locate items already in your catalog that use discontinued categories, go to Admin from the Metrc navigation toolbar and open Items.
In the Items grid, filter the Category column to each discontinued category to identify all impacted items currently in your facility.
After filtering to a discontinued category, export the results from the Items grid. Keeping an exported list for each discontinued category makes it easier to rebuild your item catalog systematically, especially if multiple SKUs or item variations are affected.
Best practices for remaking items into valid categories
Create the new item before discontinuing the old one
Metrc recommends creating the corrected item first, then discontinuing the old item. This approach reduces disruption to packaging, testing, transfers, retail sales, and repack workflows that still reference older packages.
New item names must be different than any previously used name
When you remake an item, the new Item Name must be at least one character different from any previously used item name. Practically, this means you may need to add or remove a character, or take the opportunity to clarify the naming convention (for example, adding dosage form, unit type, or a formulation descriptor).
State approval note: If the corrected category requires MCA approval, you may need to create the new item, submit it for approval (if applicable in your workflow), and only discontinue the legacy item after the new version is approved and ready for use. This helps prevent teams from accidentally selecting the wrong version during production or fulfillment.
How to discontinue an old item (and why you must be careful)
Discontinuing an item removes it from the Items grid and it cannot be reinstated. If an item is discontinued in error, it must be recreated (and approved, if required) before it can be used again.
To discontinue an old pre-existing item, open Admin → Items, locate the item, and use the discontinue control (the “X” action) on the far right of that item’s row.
What happens to existing packages after an item is discontinued
Discontinuing an item does not invalidate existing packages that were created with that item. Per the bulletin, those existing packages can still be submitted for testing, transferred, sold from, and repackaged.
When you need to transact using a discontinued item (for example, submitting for testing, transferring, registering sales, or repackaging), use the “Same Item” checkbox in the applicable Metrc workflow so the system recognizes you are working with inventory tied to the discontinued item record.
Operational implications for Maryland cannabis teams
Production and packaging: Item category drives downstream compliance logic (including how products are represented in Metrc). Remaking items early reduces the risk of production delays caused by teams selecting discontinued categories.
Inventory and transfers: Exporting and remaking items helps avoid last-minute disruptions when creating new packages or preparing manifests that rely on properly categorized items.
Retail and point-of-sale alignment: Having both a legacy item and a corrected item can create confusion at retail. Plan naming conventions and internal SOP communication so staff select the correct item going forward while still being able to sell through older packaged inventory.
Regulatory exposure: The bulletin flags that discontinued-category items may be revoked by MCA after July 31, 2026. Treat remaking items as a time-sensitive catalog cleanup project, not just a data hygiene task.
Labeling support: DistruLabels and Cannabis ERP options
As you remake items and standardize naming and categories, labeling accuracy becomes even more important—especially where stores and delivery teams rely on consistent product identity and retail-ready identifiers.
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels. It can help teams maintain consistent label outputs as item records change and supports workflows that need accurate identifiers for Metrc Retail ID compliance.
DistruERP: For larger operators who need end-to-end supply chain management across cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed to manage inventory, fulfillment, and operational complexity alongside compliance requirements.
Metrc resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support: Submit and track a case via Support.Metrc.com or call 877-566-6506.
Support hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. ET–10 p.m. ET; Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. ET; Sunday voicemail or portal only.
Metrc Learn: Metrc’s on-demand training platform is accessible directly or via the Support drop-down inside Metrc.
Metrc Expert: Use the in-app knowledge base (widget icon in Metrc) for step-by-step guides, updated state item category references, and workflow help.
State partner resources: Visit Metrc.com to find Maryland partner resources, training links, and FAQs.
