Metrc (Minnesota) Bulletin MN_IB_0059 (distributed 03/26/2026; effective 04/02/2026) announces new functionality that lets licensees designate certain packages as Trade Samples in Metrc. This article explains what qualifies as a trade sample, how to create or flag/unflag trade sample packages before transfer, what changes after transfer, and how to properly adjust trade sample inventory to stay compliant in day-to-day operations.
What Minnesota Metrc means by “trade samples”
Under this bulletin, trade samples are packages created by a licensed cannabis business and provided to other licensed businesses and/or employees so the recipient can evaluate a product. The key compliance constraint is that trade samples are not to be sold for any dollar amount; they exist strictly to support product evaluation (for example, enabling another license to try a new product).
Operational impact for cannabis operators
This Metrc update affects how you build packages, review manifests, receive inventory, and reconcile usage. Because trade sample status becomes effectively “locked in” after transfer, teams should treat trade sample designation as a high-importance data field and confirm it before shipping or accepting a manifest line item.
- Sales controls: Trade sample packages should never enter a retail sales workflow or be treated as sellable inventory.
- Manifest review: Shipping and receiving teams should verify which packages are marked as trade samples before transfer acceptance.
- Inventory reconciliation: Recipients must record consumption properly by adjusting the package down to zero with the correct adjustment reason and documentation.
How to designate a trade sample package in Metrc
Metrc allows you to create a package as a trade sample during package creation. When building a new package, select the Trade Sample option (presented as a checkbox in the New Packages workflow). This ensures the package is clearly identified as a trade sample from the start and reduces the risk of misclassification later.
How trade samples are identified in Metrc
After a package is designated as a trade sample, Metrc visually identifies it with a briefcase-style icon so it’s easier to spot in common workflows like transfer manifests and the Packages grid. Operators can also configure the Packages grid to display a Trade Sample column so staff can filter and verify trade sample status during daily inventory work.
Flagging or unflagging trade samples on existing packages (before transfer)
If a package already exists and you realize it should be treated as a trade sample (or should not be), Metrc allows you to flag or unflag the package as a trade sample directly from the Packages grid using the Trade Sample action.
Critical compliance rule: once a package has been transferred, the trade sample designation cannot be undone. In practical terms, this means you should confirm trade sample status before:
- including a package on a manifest,
- shipping a transfer, and
- accepting receipt of a transfer.
Receiving and using a trade sample: required Metrc adjustment
After a trade sample is received and then consumed/used, the recipient must reconcile Metrc inventory by adjusting the trade sample package down to zero.
Use the correct adjustment reason and documentation
The bulletin instructs licensees to adjust trade samples using the “Trade Samples” adjustment reason and to include a note identifying the employee who sampled the product. This creates an auditable record that explains why the inventory is being reduced and who was responsible for the sampling event.
Compliance considerations to avoid common mistakes
This update is simple in the interface, but the compliance consequences are significant because trade sample designation is tied to transfer history and auditability.
- Do not sell trade samples: Trade sample packages should not be routed into point-of-sale or invoiced as revenue-generating units.
- Prevent accidental acceptance/shipment errors: Because the designation is irreversible after transfer, mislabeling can create long-term recordkeeping and inventory classification problems.
- Train receiving staff: Make sure receivers know how to identify trade samples (icon/column) and confirm the package purpose before acceptance.
- Document consumption clearly: The required adjustment reason and employee note help support defensible records during inspections or internal audits.
Labeling and system alignment: DistruLabels and DistruERP
Trade sample compliance is not only about the package flag in Metrc—operators also need consistent internal processes for packaging, labeling, and inventory status so trade samples don’t drift into sellable stock.
DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant cannabis packaging and retail labels. It can help teams maintain consistent label outputs that align with Metrc workflows, including supporting accurate Metrc Retail ID labeling expectations so retail-ready items can be properly identified and reconciled when required.
For larger operators who need deeper operational control beyond labels—such as purchasing, production, inventory, transfers, and multi-team approvals—DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed for complete supply chain management across cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations.
Metrc support and training resources referenced in the bulletin
If you need help implementing the trade sample workflow, Metrc provides several support and training options:
- Metrc Support Portal: https://support.metrc.com
- Metrc Learn training platform: https://learn.metrc.com
- Metrc Expert: Available inside the Metrc application (knowledge base and guided help).
Bulletin reference
Metrc Support Bulletin: MN_IB_0059
Subject: Trade Samples
Distribution Date: 03/26/2026
Effective Date: 04/02/2026
