Metrc (Minnesota) Support Bulletin MN_IB_0037 explains how licensed businesses must set up Metrc item categories (including bulk vs packaged designations) and how to name items using Minnesota OCM’s recommended product name generator so testing, labeling, and Retail ID workflows stay compliant.
Bulletin details (what changed and when)
Bulletin number: MN_IB_0037
Distribution date: 04/20/2026
Effective date: 05/01/2026
Subject: Item Categories and Naming
Reason: To define the use of item categories and a naming convention approach (via the OCM name generator) when creating items in Metrc.
Why Metrc item categories matter for Minnesota compliance
In Minnesota Metrc, an item category is not just an inventory label—it drives how Metrc is configured to present available compliance testing options when you create lab sample packages. Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) aligns item categories to lab test “batches” (analyte groupings) described in the Cannabis Technical Authority, so selecting the correct category helps ensure the correct testing pathway is available for that product type.
Practically, this means item setup decisions affect downstream operations like sampling, COA expectations, packaging release decisions, and what information your team needs to populate in item details for potency labeling.
Bulk vs Packaged in Metrc (what the designations mean)
Bulk: The item exists in bulk form and is not yet in its final retail packaging. Bulk items may still be used for compliance testing, except for stability and homogeneity analyses. Bulk items may later be packaged for retail sale, sold in bulk to other processors, or used as an input to make other products.
Packaged: The item has been placed in final compliant packaging for retail sale (pre-determined amounts by mass or count) and uses compliant labeling. Packaged items may be used for compliance testing. When required, homogeneity and stability must be evaluated on packaged forms of products.
This bulk/packaged distinction is central to day-to-day workflow: it dictates when you should create a packaged item, when stability or homogeneity is even eligible/appropriate, and how soon your packaging/labeling team needs final potency and serving-size values.
Flower, hemp flower, trim, and pre-roll item categories
Cannabis flower and deli-style flower
Cannabis Flower (Bulk): Dried, cured buds for sale in bulk form, including flower intended for extraction or manufacturing into pre-rolls, and bulk flower not yet in final retail packaging. Available lab test batch: Raw Plant Material (Final Form).
Cannabis Flower (Packaged): Dried, cured buds placed in final compliant packaging for retail sale. Available lab test batch: Raw Plant Material (Final Form). Additional available batches when applicable: Additional-Terpenes (%) and Stability Study T0 (raw plant material, infused flower, pre-rolls & infused pre-rolls).
Cannabis Flower Deli-Style (Bulk): Dried, cured buds intended for deli-style sales. Available lab test batch: Raw Plant Material (Final Form). Additional available batches when applicable: Additional-Terpenes (%) and Stability Study T0 (raw plant material, infused flower, pre-rolls & infused pre-rolls).
Terpenes note: Terpene testing is only required when there is a terpene label claim (Additional-Terpenes (%)).
Shake/trim
Cannabis Shake/Trim (Bulk): Trimmings of a cannabis plant, which may include sugar leaves, small pieces of buds, or knocked-off trichomes. Available lab test batch: Raw Plant Material (Final Form). Also available for processing pathways: Raw Plant Material (For Processing). Additional available batch when applicable: Additional-Terpenes (%).
Cannabis Shake/Trim (Packaged): Packaged trim intended for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Raw Plant Material (Final Form), Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (raw plant material, infused flower, pre-rolls & infused pre-rolls).
Hemp flower
Hemp Flower (Bulk): Dried, cured hemp buds, including flower sent for extraction and bulk flower not yet in final retail packaging. THC threshold: total THC must not exceed 0.3% THC. Available lab test batches: Raw Plant Material (Final Form), Raw Plant Material (For Processing), and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Hemp Flower (Packaged): Hemp Derived Consumer Product (HDCP) packaged hemp flower for retail sale. THC threshold: total THC must not exceed 0.3% THC. Available lab test batches: Raw Plant Material (Final Form), Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (raw plant material, infused flower, pre-rolls & infused pre-rolls).
Raw cannabis pre-rolls (non-infused)
Raw Cannabis Pre-Rolls (Bulk): Ground cannabis flower/buds or shake/trim placed into rolling paper; rolled but not yet in final individual retail packaging. This category does not include infused pre-rolls. Available lab test batches: Raw Plant Material (Final Form), Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (raw plant material, infused flower, pre-rolls & infused pre-rolls).
Raw Cannabis Pre-Rolls (Packaged): Non-infused pre-rolls in final compliant packaging for retail sale, either individually or in predetermined unit counts. Available lab test batches: Raw Plant Material (Final Form), Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (raw plant material, infused flower, pre-rolls & infused pre-rolls).
Concentrates, extracts, and vape cartridges
Concentrate item categories are configured to be tested for relevant contaminants and cannabinoid potency, with required analyte groups varying based on whether the concentrate is solvent-based vs non-solvent and edible-use vs inhalation-use. Terpene testing is required only for terpene label claims or when terpenes are added as an ingredient. If a concentrate may contain artificially derived cannabinoids, Minnesota requires an additional purity test (Additional-THC Purity).
Stability note: Stability must be evaluated for each product type (Stability Study T0 (concentrate/extract)). For vape cartridges, stability includes heavy metals due to the risk of metal leaching (Stability Study T0 (Vape Cartridge)).
Item details note: Bulk concentrates must include target % CBD and % THC in item details. Packaged concentrates must include overall content and serving size amounts of CBD and THC in item details.
Solvent-based and non-solvent extracts (common categories)
Cured/Live Resin (Bulk): Solvent-based extraction (hydrocarbons, CO2, ethanol, etc.) from cured/dry material or live (fresh frozen) material. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Cured/Live Resin (Packaged): Packaged resin for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (concentrate/extract).
Cured/Live Rosin (Bulk): Non-solvent extraction (ice water or hot press) from cured/dry flower/hash/plant material or live (fresh frozen) material. Available lab test batches: Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Cured/Live Rosin (Packaged): Packaged rosin for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (concentrate/extract).
Distillate (Bulk): Highly refined concentrate focused on THC; not considered full spectrum. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Distillate (Packaged): Packaged distillate for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (concentrate/extract).
Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) (Bulk): Typically made by decarboxylating flower, soaking in alcohol, and reducing alcohol with heat; includes Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) (Packaged): Packaged FECO for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (concentrate/extract).
Hash, kief, and hash oil
Kief (Bulk): Granular excess plant material and loose trichomes from grinding/sifting or other solventless processing of dried cured cannabis flower/plants. Available lab test batches: Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Kief (Packaged): Packaged kief for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (concentrate/extract).
Hash (Bulk): Kief compacted into a solid form. Available lab test batches: Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Hash (Packaged): Packaged hash for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (concentrate/extract).
Hash Oil (Bulk): Concentrate created by extracting hash (example: BHO). For hash extracted without solvents, use Cured/Live Rosin. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Hash Oil (Packaged): Packaged hash oil for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (concentrate/extract).
Vape cartridges (cannabis and hemp)
Cannabis Vape Cartridge (Bulk): Pre-filled cartridge containing cannabis concentrate intended to be vaporized and inhaled; filled but not yet in final retail packaging. Available lab test batches: Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Cannabis Vape Cartridge (Packaged): Pre-filled cartridge in final compliant packaging for retail sale (including disposable form where the battery is attached). Available lab test batches: Non-Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (Vape Cartridge).
Hemp Vape Cartridge: Hemp Derived Consumer Product (HDCP) pre-filled cartridge containing hemp concentrate intended to be vaporized and inhaled, in final retail packaging. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Stability Study T0 (Vape Cartridge).
Hemp concentrates (naturally occurring vs artificially derived)
Hemp Concentrate Artificially Derived (Bulk): Concentrate extracted from hemp where the chemical makeup is changed after extraction using a catalyst other than heat or light to create a different cannabinoid or compound. Sales limitation: may only be sold to other manufacturing license holders and is not available for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Additional-THC Purity.
Hemp Concentrate Naturally Occurring (Bulk): Extracts/resins of hemp (including refined extracts) intended to be consumed by combustion or vaporization and inhalation. THC threshold: total THC must not exceed 0.3% THC. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Additional-Terpenes (%), and Additional-THC Purity.
Hemp Concentrate Naturally Occurring (Packaged): Packaged hemp concentrate for retail sale where total THC does not exceed 0.3% THC. Available lab test batches: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible, Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation, Stability Study T0 (concentrate/extract), Additional-Terpenes (%), and Additional-THC Purity.
Finished (infused) products: edibles, tinctures, topicals, infused flower
Minnesota’s bulletin describes “finished products” as items made from flower or concentrates that have already passed testing for relevant contaminants. These finished products are configured for potency and microbial testing (and other relevant contaminants should also be evaluated as appropriate). Finished products fall into two major lab configurations: Infused Edible and Infused Non-Edible.
Terpenes note: Terpene testing is required only when there is a terpene label claim or terpenes were added as an ingredient (Additional-Terpenes (mg/g) for edible-style products; Additional-Terpenes (%) for certain non-edible categories as shown in Metrc).
Artificially derived cannabinoids note: Any finished product that may contain artificially derived cannabinoids must also be tested for purity (Additional-THC Purity).
Stability note: Stability must be evaluated for each product type (Stability Study T0 (Infused Products)).
Homogeneity note: Homogeneity must be evaluated for each product that has individual unit potency (Homogeneity). This is especially operationally important for multi-unit packages and any SKU where each unit must meet a consistent target dose.
Item details note: Bulk items must include target % CBD and % THC in item details. Packaged items must include overall content and serving size amounts of CBD and THC in item details.
Beverages and edibles
Cannabis Beverages (Bulk): Drinkable liquid containing cannabis extract; bulk form is typically a large vessel awaiting packaging. Cannabis beverages cannot contain artificially derived cannabinoids. Available lab test batches: Infused Edible and Additional-Terpenes (mg/g).
Cannabis Beverages (Packaged): Packaged cannabis beverages for retail sale; cannot contain artificially derived cannabinoids. Available lab test batches: Infused Edible, Additional-Terpenes (mg/g), Homogeneity, and Stability Study T0 (Infused Products).
Cannabis Edible (Bulk): Food product intended for human consumption containing cannabinoids with food ingredients (example: gummies, candy, baked goods). This category does not include artificially derived cannabinoids, lower-potency hemp edibles, or cannabis beverages. Available lab test batches: Infused Edible and Additional-Terpenes (mg/g).
Cannabis Edible (Packaged): Packaged edibles for retail sale (excluding artificially derived cannabinoids, lower-potency hemp edibles, and beverages). Available lab test batches: Infused Edible, Additional-Terpenes (mg/g), Homogeneity, and Stability Study T0 (Infused Products).
Tinctures
Cannabis-Derived Tinctures (Bulk): Solution derived from cannabis plant or manufactured cannabis extract dissolved in glycerin, food-grade oils, or other food-grade solvents; consumed orally and sold with a measuring device indicating serving size; classified as an edible. Available lab test batches: Infused Edible and Additional-Terpenes (mg/g).
Cannabis-Derived Tinctures (Packaged): Packaged tinctures for retail sale with measuring device. Available lab test batches: Infused Edible, Additional-Terpenes (mg/g), Homogeneity, and Stability Study T0 (Infused Products).
Hemp-Derived Tinctures (Bulk): Hemp Derived Consumer Product (HDCP) tincture meeting the same form/serving concepts as above. Available lab test batches: Infused Edible and Additional-Terpenes (mg/g).
Hemp-Derived Tinctures (Packaged): Packaged HDCP tinctures for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Infused Edible, Additional-Terpenes (mg/g), Homogeneity, and Stability Study T0 (Infused Products).
Infused flower, infused pre-rolls, and topical/transdermal
Infused Cannabis Flower (Bulk): Dried, cured flower coated/sprayed/sprinkled with concentrate (example: moonrocks). Available lab test batches: Infused Non-Edible and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Infused Cannabis Flower (Packaged): Packaged infused flower for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Infused Non-Edible, Additional-Terpenes (%), Homogeneity, and Stability Study T0 (Infused Products).
Infused Cannabis Pre-Rolls (Bulk): Pre-rolls made with added concentrates in/alongside flower and/or applied to paper; rolled but not yet in final retail packaging. Available lab test batches: Infused Non-Edible and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Infused Cannabis Pre-Rolls (Packaged): Packaged infused pre-rolls for retail sale (individual or predetermined unit count). Available lab test batches: Infused Non-Edible, Additional-Terpenes (%), Homogeneity, and Stability Study T0 (Infused Products).
Transdermal/Topical (Bulk): Products intended for external application (example: salve). Available lab test batches: Infused Non-Edible and Additional-Terpenes (%).
Transdermal/Topical (Packaged): Packaged external-use products for retail sale. Available lab test batches: Infused Non-Edible, Additional-Terpenes (%), Homogeneity, and Stability Study T0 (Infused Products).
Metrc item categories that do not require compliance testing
Seeds: Viable seed expected to grow into a cannabis plant (does not include hemp seed). Testing: No testing required.
Packaged Immature Clones: Non-flowering cannabis plant propagated from a cutting and sold from a cannabis retailer. Testing: No testing required.
Minnesota Metrc lab test batches (what each batch includes)
Metrc uses lab test batch names to group analyte requirements. The bulletin lists the following configurations and included analyte groups.
Raw Plant Material (Final Form): Microbial, Water Activity, Mycotoxins, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Foreign Matter, Potency.
Raw Plant Material (For Processing): Microbial, Water Activity, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Potency.
Non-Solvent Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation: Microbial, Mycotoxins, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Potency.
Non-Solvent Concentrate/Extract for Edible: Microbial, Mycotoxins, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Potency.
Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Inhalation: Microbial, Mycotoxins, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Residual Solvents, Potency.
Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract for Edible: Microbial, Mycotoxins, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Residual Solvents, Potency.
Infused Edible: Microbial, Water Activity, Potency.
Infused Non-Edible: Microbial, Water Activity, Potency.
Full Panel (Tribal nation use only): Microbial, Water Activity, Mycotoxins, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Residual Solvents, Potency, Terpenes.
Homogeneity: Homogeneity.
Stability Study T0 (Infused Products): Microbial, Water Activity, Potency.
Stability Study T0 (concentrate/extract): Microbial, Potency.
Stability Study T0 (raw plant material, infused flower, pre-rolls & infused pre-rolls): Microbial, Water Activity, Potency.
Stability Study T0 (Vape Cartridge): Microbial, Heavy Metals, Potency.
Additional-Terpenes (%): Terpenes.
Additional-Terpenes (mg/g): Terpenes.
Additional-THC Purity: THC Purity.
Item naming in Metrc: Minnesota’s recommended approach
OCM does not require a specific naming convention for Metrc items. However, the bulletin recommends using OCM’s Metrc Product Name Generator to create names for new items because it standardizes naming and reduces setup errors that can create downstream confusion in inventory, lab submissions, and retail labeling.
To use the full functionality, establishments should download the product name generator spreadsheet from OCM resources and use it when creating new Metrc items. Resource link: https://mn.gov/ocm/businesses/resources/product-testing/technical-authority.jsp
From an operations standpoint, consistent item naming helps teams quickly distinguish bulk vs packaged SKUs, inhalation vs edible use pathways for concentrates, and product variations (such as added terpenes) that can trigger additional testing or label updates.
Practical implications for day-to-day operations
Item creation controls what testing you can request: If the category doesn’t match the product’s actual form and intended use, Metrc may not present the correct lab test batch option when you create sample packages.
Plan packaging around stability and homogeneity: Because stability and (when required) homogeneity are evaluated on packaged forms, operators should align production schedules so “packaged” items exist in Metrc when those tests are needed.
Manage terpene claims carefully: In Minnesota’s configuration, terpene testing is required when you make a terpene label claim (and for some products when terpenes are added). If your marketing/label changes, your testing plan may need to change as well.
Watch for artificially derived cannabinoid implications: Products that may contain artificially derived cannabinoids trigger an Additional-THC Purity requirement in the configuration described by the bulletin—this impacts formulation decisions, supplier qualification, and lab scheduling.
Populate item details early: The bulletin emphasizes CBD/THC target percentages for bulk items (concentrates and infused products) and overall content plus serving-size amounts for packaged items. This is operationally important because those values are commonly needed for labels and retail readiness.
Labeling and Retail ID: where Distru fits
DistruLabels (free): DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, helping operators keep label data aligned with Metrc item setup and supporting Metrc Retail ID compliance as products move from packaged inventory to retail-ready units.
DistruERP (enterprise operations): For larger manufacturers, processors, and multi-site operators, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed for end-to-end supply chain management—supporting inventory, production, purchasing, sales, and compliance workflows that must stay consistent with Metrc.
Metrc support and training resources
Metrc Support portal: Access support at https://support.metrc.com or from within Metrc using the Support dropdown. First-time access typically requires your username, state selection, facility license number, and a valid email to set a password.
Metrc Learn: Metrc Learn provides interactive training programs organized by facility type and user experience level.
In-system resources: The Metrc Support dropdown also provides links to guides, manuals, and additional educational materials.
