Metrc (All States) bulletin MT IB 0076 (effective 06/01/2026) updates how licensees order Metrc tags by adding expedited shipping speed choices alongside standard ground shipping. This article explains what changed in Metrc, how to select and price expedited shipping in a tag order, and what the update means for day-to-day cannabis operations that rely on timely tag availability.
Bulletin summary: expedited shipping for Metrc tag orders
Bulletin number: MT IB 0076
Distribution date: 06/01/2026
Effective date: 06/01/2026
Subject: Expedited Shipping Available for Tag Orders
Reason: Metrc added expedited shipping speed options for tag orders so facilities can choose faster delivery when needed.
What changed in Metrc: “Choose a Shipping Speed”
When creating a new tag order in Metrc, users now see an additional step within the tag order window labeled “Choose a Shipping Speed.” This lets the facility select a delivery speed rather than defaulting to a single shipping method.
Shipping speeds now available: Ground and Expedited (2nd Day / Next Day).
How expedited tag order pricing is calculated
After selecting the preferred shipping speed, Metrc allows the user to calculate the updated order total before submitting the order.
How it works in practice: select the shipping speed, then click Calculate Total to view the updated pricing that reflects expedited shipping costs, and proceed through the normal tag ordering workflow to place the order.
Operational implications for cannabis licensees
Fewer workflow interruptions from tag shortages
Tags are a critical input for compliant inventory tracking in Metrc: without tags, many facilities can’t properly package, label, or progress inventory through required Metrc package and transfer steps. Expedited shipping provides an option to reduce downtime when tag usage spikes unexpectedly or when a shipment of tags is delayed.
Better planning for harvest, packaging, and transfer schedules
Facilities that align tag ordering with harvest cycles, packaging runs, or planned transfers can use expedited shipping to keep schedules intact when timelines compress. This is especially helpful when operational volume increases or when adding new product lines that require more tags than forecasted.
Clearer cost visibility and internal approvals
Because Metrc updates the total after the shipping speed is selected, teams can see expedited shipping costs before submitting the order. This supports internal purchasing controls and helps operators decide when faster shipping is worth the premium versus staying with ground.
Compliance risk reduction (when tags are time-sensitive)
While expedited shipping is not a regulatory requirement by itself, it can help reduce downstream compliance risk that comes from operational workarounds when tags are unavailable (for example, delaying packaging, delaying transfers, or creating last-minute schedule changes that increase data-entry errors).
How this connects to packaging and Metrc Retail ID compliance
Getting tags on time is only one part of staying compliant. Once product is packaged and prepared for retail sale, operators also need packaging and retail labels that match state requirements and align with Metrc-driven identifiers (including Retail ID expectations where applicable).
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels. It helps teams produce consistent, regulation-ready labels and supports day-to-day execution where Metrc Retail ID compliance depends on accurate, scannable label data.
DistruERP: For larger, multi-department operations that need end-to-end supply chain management, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed to coordinate purchasing, production, inventory, fulfillment, and compliance workflows across the organization.
Metrc support resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support
Metrc support is available through the support portal and by phone.
Support portal: https://support.metrc.com
Phone: 877-566-6506
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. ET–10 p.m. ET
Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. ET
Hours: Sunday, voicemail or portal only
Portal access note: first-time portal access typically requires a username (established when logging in), the respective state, the facility license number, and a valid email to set a password.
Metrc Learn
Metrc Learn is Metrc’s on-demand training platform with interactive education on system functionality to help users build skills and improve workflow efficiency.
Access: available directly and via the Support drop-down within Metrc (registration may be required before first use).
Metrc Expert (in-app knowledge base)
Metrc Expert is accessible inside Metrc by opening the knowledge base widget in the lower right-hand corner, providing step-by-step guides and searchable help content.
Metrc.com state partner resources
Metrc also publishes state partner pages with training links and other state-specific resources.
Website: https://www.metrc.com
