Metrc (Minnesota) bulletin MN_IB_0064 (distributed 06/12/2026; effective 01/02/2026) explains how licensed manufacturers and wholesalers can bring Hemp Derived Consumer Products (HDCPs) and hemp concentrates into Metrc using the state-approved “Hemp Transfer” external transfer workflow, including when OCM approval is required, how to create and complete the incoming external transfer, and what testing rules apply before product can be used in manufacturing or sold.
What this Metrc (Minnesota) bulletin changes
In Minnesota, HDCPs and hemp concentrates cannot be brought into Metrc using the “Hemp Transfer” external transfer type unless the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has approved the request and activated that external transfer type for the license.
Operationally, this means your team should not expect to see “Hemp Transfer” as a selectable external transfer type by default. If you attempt to receive these products without the OCM-enabled workflow, you risk inventory visibility gaps in Metrc and downstream compliance issues during reconciliation.
OCM approval is required before you can use “Hemp Transfer”
The bulletin states that all requests to bring HDCPs or hemp concentrates into Metrc must be approved by OCM, and the external transfer type will only become available after OCM activates it for your license.
Submit the request to OCM using the appropriate external transfer request form referenced in the bulletin (one for HDCPs and one for Hemp Concentrate intended to make HDCPs).
Workflow overview: two required steps to show inventory in Metrc
The bulletin describes a two-step incoming external transfer workflow.
Step 1: Create (register) an Incoming External Transfer record in Metrc.
Step 2: Complete the Incoming External Transfer and assign Metrc package tags to create inventory.
Completing both steps is required for tagged packages to appear in your facility inventory. Registering the transfer alone does not create packages.
Step 1: Create (register) an Incoming External Transfer
Navigate in Metrc to Transfers, select External, then choose the Incoming tab and start a New Transfer. This creates the incoming external transfer record for the HDCPs or hemp-derivative concentrates you are bringing into the system.
Type: Select Hemp Transfer from the dropdown.
Phone Number: Enter a valid phone number (commonly your business phone).
Planned Route: Enter “Verified by the Metrc Admin.”
Item Name, Quantity, Packaged Date: Use the appropriate, previously created Metrc items and exact quantities you are receiving. The bulletin instructs that the packaged date should be the day you are entering the items into Metrc, and quantities should reflect only what is being received. The bulletin also references Metrc Bulletin 37 for item and item category context.
After completing the required fields, select Register Transfer to create a pending incoming external transfer.
Important day-to-day implication: a registered (pending) incoming external transfer does not associate Metrc package tags to product. If your team stops after registration, your inventory will not properly reflect the received products, which can create reconciliation and compliance exposure.
Step 2: Complete the transfer and create tagged inventory
To receive the product into inventory, you must complete the pending incoming external transfer. In the External Transfers grid, locate the pending incoming transfer and select Complete.
Package tags required: Each license holder must have Metrc package tags available before completing this step, because completion requires assigning a unique Metrc package tag to each item being received.
In the completion window, the quantities from Step 1 will auto-populate. Confirm the quantities are correct, then assign a unique Metrc package tag to each item. The bulletin emphasizes that the tag assigned in Metrc should be physically affixed to the associated product.
Finalize by selecting Complete Transfer. This action creates the Metrc package(s) at the specified quantities and makes the inventory appear in your facility’s Metrc inventory.
Testing rules after HDCPs or hemp concentrates enter Metrc
The bulletin includes a key compliance note for Minnesota testing workflows once product is transferred into Metrc.
Out-of-state testing exception: HDCPs containing only non-intoxicating cannabinoids coming in from out of state may be tested by an out-of-state ISO-accredited lab.
All other hemp products: Must be submitted to a Minnesota-licensed testing facility after being transferred into Metrc for Full Panel testing aligned to the appropriate item category.
Use and sale restriction: Products must pass compliance testing before they are used in manufacturing or sold into the Minnesota market. Practically, this means you should align receiving, tagging, and testing timelines so quarantined or “hold” inventory is clearly separated operationally until passing results are confirmed.
Practical compliance implications for daily operations
Inventory reconciliation depends on completion: The biggest operational risk highlighted by the bulletin is stopping after “Register Transfer.” If the transfer is not completed, packages are not created and inventory will not reconcile correctly.
Tag management becomes a gating step: Because completion requires unique package tags, facilities should maintain sufficient tag inventory before scheduling inbound HDCP/hemp concentrate receipts.
Item setup accuracy matters: Item name, category alignment, and exact quantities entered at receipt drive downstream testing requirements and compliance reporting. Errors at intake can cascade into retesting, relabeling, or record corrections.
Labeling support: DistruLabels and Metrc Retail ID compliance
Accurate labels are a practical extension of Metrc compliance because product identity, traceability, and retail-facing information must stay aligned with what is recorded in Metrc.
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, and it helps operators support Metrc Retail ID compliance by generating labels that can consistently match package and retail identifier requirements across workflows.
DistruERP: For larger multi-department operations that need end-to-end supply chain control beyond labeling, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed to manage purchasing, inventory, manufacturing, sales, and fulfillment in a connected system.
Metrc support and training resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support: Access support at https://support.metrc.com (also accessible from within Metrc via the Support menu). The bulletin notes first-time portal access typically requires a username (established at login), your state selection, your facility license number, and a valid email to set a password.
Metrc Learn: Training resources are available at https://learn.metrc.com and may also be accessed from within Metrc by selecting “Sign up for Training” under the Support menu.
Metrc Expert: Within Metrc, the knowledge base widget in the lower right provides guided articles and step-by-step workflow help.
