Metrc (Minnesota) Bulletin MN_IB_0056 explains how licensed cannabis cultivators and processors must bring new genetics (seeds) into Metrc after January 2, 2026, using an OCM-approved “New Genetics” incoming external transfer workflow, then converting those tagged packages into plantings.
Bulletin overview and key dates (MN_IB_0056)
Bulletin number: MN_IB_0056
Distribution date: 12/12/2025
Effective date: 01/02/2026
Subject: New Genetics Workflow
Reason: Guidance for using Metrc external transfers to add seeds (new genetics) to Metrc after January 2, 2026, including an approval requirement from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
What changes in Minnesota on January 2, 2026
Starting January 2, 2026, Minnesota cultivators must use propagative materials from a source authorized by OCM. Metrc’s role is to ensure those genetics enter the statewide track-and-trace system through a controlled, auditable process.
For newly licensed cultivators, the bulletin establishes a time-limited opportunity to add genetics: you have 30 days after you are credentialed into Metrc to enter new genetics into the system. After that 30-day window closes, you cannot continue adding “new genetics” freely; your options shift to using internal genetics already in your operation, purchasing clones from an authorized business source, or purchasing seeds from a commercial seed seller (as allowed by OCM policy and licensure rules).
OCM approval is required before the “New Genetics” transfer type appears
All requests to bring new genetics (seeds) into Metrc must be approved by OCM. Practically, this means the external transfer type called New Genetics will not be available in your Metrc account unless OCM has approved your request and activated that transfer type for your license.
The bulletin directs licensees to submit requests to OCM using the state’s “New Genetics (Seeds) External Transfer Request” form. Until OCM enables the workflow, your staff cannot select the “New Genetics” transfer type inside Metrc, even if you have seeds on site.
How the “New Genetics” incoming external transfer works in Metrc
Once OCM approves your request and activates the transfer type, Minnesota licensees must use Incoming External Transfers to bring new genetics into Metrc inventory. The bulletin’s main compliance point is that this is a two-step workflow: you must (1) create/register the incoming external transfer and then (2) complete the transfer to generate the tagged packages that count as inventory in Metrc.
Step 1: Create (register) an incoming external transfer
Navigate in Metrc to the Transfers area, choose External Transfers, and work from the Incoming tab to start a new incoming transfer.
When completing the entry fields, the bulletin emphasizes these operational details:
Type: Select New Genetics.
Phone number: Enter a valid phone number (commonly the business phone number used for compliance contactability).
Planned route: Use a clear statement of provenance and verification. The bulletin provides examples such as “Bought from seed seller. Verified by the Metrc Admin.” If the seeds are saved by the cultivator, the route can state “cultivator saved seeds.”
Item name, quantity, packaged date: Choose the correct item(s) and enter exact quantities for what is being received. The packaged date should reflect the day the items are being entered into Metrc. The bulletin also references Metrc Bulletin 37 for additional context on items and item categories, which matters because the item selection controls reporting, inventory logic, and downstream activities.
After entering required information, select the action to register the transfer, which creates a pending incoming external transfer.
Why “Register Transfer” is not enough for compliance
The bulletin is explicit that registering (creating) the pending incoming external transfer does not assign Metrc package tags or create on-hand packages in your Metrc inventory. If you stop after Step 1, your physical genetics may be onsite, but your Metrc inventory will not reflect them correctly—creating reconciliation and audit risk.
Step 2: Complete the incoming external transfer (creates tagged inventory)
To actually receive the new genetics into Metrc inventory, you must complete the pending incoming external transfer. This step requires that your license has unused Metrc package tags available.
From the incoming external transfers grid, open the pending transfer and choose the option to complete it. Metrc will auto-populate the quantities from Step 1; you must confirm accuracy and then assign a unique Metrc package tag to each item being received.
The package tag assigned in Metrc should be physically affixed to the associated product so the physical inventory matches the digital record. When you finalize the completion, Metrc creates the package(s) in your inventory with the specified quantities.
Creating plantings from the new genetics packages
After the package(s) for seeds or clones are created via the completed incoming external transfer, the genetics must be moved from the Packages area into the Plants workflow using Metrc’s “Create Plantings” function.
Within the create-plantings action, you will enter the operational data Metrc needs to establish plant records, including the quantity used, plant type and count, location, strain, planting date, and the unpackaging date. Once submitted, the new genetics will appear in the Immature Plants area of Metrc, allowing standard cultivation tracking to proceed.
Day-to-day operational implications for cultivators and processors
This bulletin changes how teams should plan genetics sourcing, receiving, and Metrc data entry in Minnesota.
Timing discipline: Newly credentialed cultivators should treat the 30-day genetics entry period as a firm internal deadline, aligning procurement and receiving so genetics are entered and converted to plants before the submission window closes.
Tag and inventory readiness: Because completing the external transfer requires available package tags, operations should ensure tag inventory is on-hand before scheduling seed receipt, and that responsible staff understand the difference between creating a transfer and completing it.
Reconciliation risk control: The bulletin warns that failing to complete the external transfer prevents proper inventory from appearing in Metrc. In practice, this can surface as discrepancies during internal audits, state inspections, or routine inventory reconciliation.
Data quality: “Planned route,” item selection, packaged dates, and exact quantities are not just fields to get past validation—they are traceability details that support the state’s oversight and help your business defend sourcing and chain-of-custody decisions.
Labeling and system tooling considerations (Metrc Retail ID support)
While this bulletin focuses on genetics entry and plant creation, Minnesota operators should also treat labeling as part of the same compliance ecosystem, especially as inventory moves from cultivation into packaged goods and retail-ready units.
DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels and can help teams maintain Metrc Retail ID consistency by generating labels that align with the product identity and traceability data carried through Metrc workflows.
For larger operators that need full supply chain visibility beyond labeling—covering purchasing, production, inventory controls, and fulfillment—DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed to support end-to-end operations while complementing Metrc tracking requirements.
Metrc support and training resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support: The bulletin points licensees to support.metrc.com for assistance. It also notes that first-time portal access typically requires your state selection, facility license number, and a valid email to establish credentials.
Metrc Learn: Metrc’s training platform is available at learn.metrc.com and may also be accessed from within the Metrc interface via the Support menu (where available), supporting role-based training on workflows like transfers, packages, and plantings.
Metrc Expert: The bulletin references the in-app knowledge base (Metrc Expert) for step-by-step guidance and system help content.
