This update applies to Metrc (Minnesota) and explains how Adult-Use licensees can designate, transfer, and reconcile “Trade Sample” packages in Metrc, including when you can flag/unflag a package and how to adjust a received sample to zero after it’s used.
Metrc Minnesota bulletin overview (MN_IB_0059)
Bulletin number: MN_IB_0059
Distribution date: 03/26/2026
Effective date: 04/02/2026
Subject: Trade Samples
What changed: Metrc, in conjunction with the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), enabled Trade Sample functionality for Adult-Use licenses to formally identify sample packages in Metrc.
What qualifies as a Trade Sample in Metrc
In Metrc Minnesota, a Trade Sample is a package designated by a licensee specifically to be provided as a sample to other licenses and/or employees so they can evaluate a product. The key compliance concept is that these packages are not intended for consumer sale and are strictly for product sampling purposes.
No-dollar rule: Trade samples are not to be sold for any dollar amount.
Adult-Use only: The bulletin states Trade Samples are available for Adult-Use licenses only.
Operational implication: Treat Trade Sample designation as a “special status” that should be applied intentionally and verified before the package ever moves on a manifest, because incorrect designation can create downstream reconciliation and compliance issues.
How to designate a package as a Trade Sample
Metrc allows you to create a package as a Trade Sample during package creation. When you are in the New Packages workflow, you can designate the package by selecting the Trade Sample checkbox (located below the package date field in the New Packages action window).
How you’ll recognize it later: After designation, Metrc displays a briefcase-style icon on the package to visually identify it as a Trade Sample. This is intended to help staff quickly spot trade samples in the packages grid and while reviewing transfer manifests.
Improve visibility in day-to-day work: You can also expose a “Trade Sample” field in the packages grid by adjusting columns and enabling the Trade Sample column, which helps receiving/shipping teams confirm status during daily fulfillment and manifest review.
Flagging or unflagging Trade Samples on existing packages (before transfer)
If a package was created without the correct Trade Sample status (or was mistakenly flagged), Metrc allows you to flag or unflag the package using the Trade Sample button within the packages grid, as long as the package has not yet been transferred.
Critical compliance limitation: Once the package has been transferred, the Trade Sample designation cannot be undone. This means staff should verify Trade Sample status as part of pre-manifest checks, because an incorrectly flagged package cannot be “fixed” after it moves to another license.
What this changes for transfers and receiving
Because Trade Sample status is intended to be obvious on manifests and in package lists, it becomes a practical receiving control: receiving teams should confirm whether a package is a Trade Sample at intake and align internal handling accordingly (e.g., routing to R&D, product evaluation, or authorized employee sampling processes rather than standard inventory for sale).
Risk to avoid: The bulletin emphasizes that a package that is not truly a trade sample should not be transferred or accepted on a manifest as a trade sample, because the designation becomes permanent after transfer.
How to reconcile a used Trade Sample (adjust to zero)
After a trade sample is received and then used/consumed as a sample, the package should be adjusted down to zero in Metrc.
Adjustment reason to use: Employee Sample
Documentation expectation: Include a note identifying the employee who sampled the product. This supports internal traceability and helps explain why the inventory left the system without a sale.
Operational implication: Plan for prompt, consistent post-sampling adjustments so on-hand quantities stay accurate. This is especially important in facilities where sampling activity is frequent and multiple staff may access the same sample inventory.
Metrc support and training resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support portal: Access support through https://support.metrc.com (also reachable via the Metrc Support menu). First-time access generally requires a username created at login, the state selection, the facility license number, and a valid email to set a password.
Metrc Learn training: Register from the Metrc Support menu by selecting “Sign up for Training,” or access the platform at https://learn.metrc.com.
Metrc Expert knowledge base: Use the in-system widget (lower right) to open Metrc Expert for guided help content and step-by-step instructions.
Labeling and inventory systems: practical tools for compliance teams
Trade Sample workflows often create additional labeling and internal handling needs (for example, clearly identifying sample units and keeping packaging aligned with what is recorded in Metrc). For teams that need fast, consistent labeling to support inventory accuracy and downstream retail compliance, DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels and can help operators stay aligned with Metrc Retail ID labeling requirements where applicable.
For larger operators that want trade sample handling to fit into end-to-end operations (procurement, production, inventory, transfers, and sales), DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed to support complete supply chain management while keeping compliance workflows organized across teams and facilities.
