This bulletin applies to Metrc (US Virgin Islands) and announces the ongoing availability of the Metrc Industry Sandbox, a secure simulated environment where licensees can train, test workflows, and explore system features without impacting live compliance data. Below is what the sandbox is, how access works, what to expect from demo data and resets, and what this means for day-to-day operations using Metrc.
What the Metrc Industry Sandbox is (and why it matters)
The Metrc Industry Sandbox is a practice environment designed to closely mirror the production Metrc system while using demo data instead of real compliance reporting data. The intent is to give licensees a low-risk way to build competency in Metrc workflows, onboard new staff, and validate internal processes before performing tasks in the live system.
Key benefit: You can make mistakes, test scenarios, and explore features without creating real-world inventory, compliance events, or reporting consequences.
Practical impact for day-to-day cannabis operations
For operators in the US Virgin Islands, the sandbox can reduce compliance risk by letting staff rehearse common activities (and edge cases) before performing them in production.
• Use the sandbox to train new hires on navigation, permissions, and facility context before granting them responsibility in live operations.
• Use the sandbox to rehearse “high-stakes” workflows where errors can create time-consuming corrections in production (for example, practicing movement through workflows and understanding how permissions affect what a user can see and do).
• Use the sandbox as a change-management tool when updating SOPs, switching roles, or expanding responsibilities across teams.
How access to Metrc Industry Sandbox works
Requirements
Main Metrc credentials required: You must have active login credentials for the main Metrc system to initiate sandbox access.
Same account email required: The setup process requires the email address associated with your Metrc account.
Initial access: where to find it in Metrc
To start setup from within Metrc, navigate through the Support area in the main Metrc navigation and select the option for the Metrc Sandbox (the sandbox is accessed from within the primary system’s Support navigation).
Sandbox setup: email-based one-time link
After selecting the sandbox option, Metrc displays a setup prompt asking for the email address tied to your Metrc account. Submitting that request starts the sandbox preparation process.
Typical setup time: Metrc indicates the sandbox is usually ready within about 5–15 minutes after setup is initiated.
When the sandbox is ready, Metrc sends an email to the address you entered. That email contains a direct access link to the sandbox.
Link expiration: The access link includes an expiration date, so operators should use it before it expires.
User agreement: The first time you enter the sandbox from the link, you will be presented with a user agreement that must be accepted before proceeding.
Ongoing access after the one-time link
After you have used the one-time email link, you can return to the sandbox from inside Metrc by navigating to Support, selecting the Metrc Sandbox option, and using the on-screen button to go to the sandbox environment.
Sandbox data, permissions, and system behavior
Demo data only (no live reporting impact)
The sandbox uses demo data rather than live compliance reporting data. This is the core control that makes sandbox activity “risk-free” for compliance purposes.
Permissions mirror your main system access
Metrc indicates the sandbox mirrors your main Metrc permissions while operating on demo data. In practice, this means the same role-based access concepts apply, which helps users train realistically for their assigned responsibilities.
• Metrc also notes that the sandbox may allow experimenting with license types and permissions that may not be available to you in the main system, enabling broader learning and testing in some situations.
Not every feature may be fully functional
Metrc notes that while the sandbox supports exploring features and workflows, some functions may not be fully functional. Operators should treat the sandbox as a training and familiarization environment, not a production-grade test environment for every edge case.
Resets and how to plan around them
Quarterly resets: Demo data is periodically reset on a quarterly basis, and historical data is cleared during each reset.
Additional resets may occur: Metrc also indicates the sandbox may be reset at any time.
Metrc displays an ongoing banner in the sandbox to reduce confusion between production and sandbox and to remind users that actions are temporary and resets are expected.
The Metrc sandbox is a simulated practice environment for training purposes only. Data entered and actions taken are temporary and will reset periodically. Metrc may reset the sandbox at any time. The next reset is currently planned for MM/DD/YYYY.
Operational implication: If you are using the sandbox for training sessions, schedule sessions with the expectation that saved “practice scenarios” may disappear after resets, and be prepared to re-run setup (including the email entry process) after a reset.
User profile differences in the sandbox
Metrc indicates sandbox users will not see password or security question fields in their profile. Users can still update the preferred default facility used for practicing workflows.
Exiting the sandbox and returning to production Metrc
To leave the sandbox and return to the main Metrc system, close the sandbox window. You may also be logged out automatically after the timeout duration is reached.
Where to get help and training
Metrc Support
Metrc directs licensees to its support portal for assistance. You can access the portal at https://support.metrc.com or reach it from inside Metrc via the Support area, which redirects to the portal.
Metrc notes that first-time portal access may require establishing a username and providing jurisdiction and facility license information along with a valid email to set a password.
Metrc Learn and in-app resources
Metrc Learn: Metrc Learn provides interactive training on system functionality. Metrc indicates you can access training registration from within Metrc by navigating to Support and selecting the training sign-up option.
Metrc Expert: Within Metrc, the Metrc Expert search experience can be used to look up topics and questions.
Metrc also references training specific to the sandbox experience, including content such as “Introducing the Metrc Sandbox,” and notes that additional sandbox information may be available under “What’s New in Metrc.”
Connecting Metrc training to labeling and retail readiness
Training in the sandbox helps teams execute workflows cleanly, but day-to-day compliance also depends on accurate downstream outputs like packaging and retail labels, especially when products move into retail contexts that require correct identifiers.
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, and it can support teams working toward cleaner Metrc Retail ID compliance by helping standardize and print retail-ready labels with the right data fields and formatting for operations.
DistruERP: For larger operators that need end-to-end supply chain management beyond labeling, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed to manage complex operations across inventory, production, distribution, and broader compliance workflows.
