Metrc (Minnesota) Support Bulletin MN_IB_0059 (distributed 03/26/2026; effective 04/02/2026) announces new Trade Sample functionality in Metrc, explaining how to designate packages as trade samples, how that status appears in Metrc, how (and when) you can flag or unflag existing packages, and how to properly adjust a received trade sample after it has been used.
Minnesota Metrc trade samples: what changed
Minnesota licensees can now explicitly mark certain packages in Metrc as Trade Samples. This adds a system-level designation intended to support legitimate product evaluation between licensed businesses (and, where applicable, by employees) without treating those units like normal inventory meant for sale.
The key compliance takeaway in the bulletin is that a trade sample is not a sale and must not be sold for any dollar amount. In day-to-day operations, this means you should separate trade sample planning from regular sales fulfillment and ensure front-of-house and wholesale teams understand the difference.
What qualifies as a Metrc trade sample in Minnesota
Per the bulletin, trade samples are packages created by license holders and provided to other licenses and/or employees strictly so another party can try or evaluate a product (for example, to test new products). They are not intended for end consumers, and they should not be treated as revenue-generating units.
How to designate a package as a Trade Sample in Metrc
To create a trade sample package, use the New Packages action in Metrc and select the Trade Sample checkbox during package creation. This is the cleanest workflow because the package is born with the correct designation and is less likely to be mishandled later.
Once designated, Metrc visually distinguishes trade sample packages using a briefcase icon so staff can quickly identify them in package and transfer workflows.
For easier review in busy environments, operators can also enable a Trade Sample column in the Packages grid by using the column options menu and selecting the Trade Sample field so the designation is visible as a data column (not just an icon).
Flagging or unflagging Trade Samples on existing packages (before transfer)
If you created a package and later determine it should be treated as a trade sample (or should not), Metrc allows you to flag or unflag the package as a trade sample directly from the Packages grid using the Trade Sample button.
Important limitation: once a trade sample package has been transferred, the trade sample designation cannot be undone. Operationally, this means your manifest review and pre-transfer QA process should include a final confirmation that each package is correctly designated before it leaves your facility and before the receiving facility accepts it.
Receiving and adjusting trade samples: required inventory action after use
After a trade sample has been received and used, the bulletin instructs licensees to adjust the trade sample package down to zero in Metrc using the Employee Sample adjustment reason. The note should document the employee who sampled the product.
Practically, this creates an auditable trail showing that the unit was consumed as a sample and did not remain available for sale or get lost in on-hand inventory. Teams should align on who is authorized to sample, who performs the adjustment, and how quickly adjustments must be completed after sampling to keep inventory accurate.
Day-to-day compliance implications for Minnesota cannabis operators
Manifest and receiving controls: because trade sample status cannot be removed after transfer, shippers should verify designation before shipping and receivers should verify the briefcase icon and/or Trade Sample column before accepting a manifest.
Segregation from sellable inventory: store trade sample packages physically and digitally in a way that reduces the risk of accidental sale or inclusion in normal order picking.
Documentation discipline: when adjusting trade samples to zero, use consistent notes (including the sampling employee) so the record supports internal policy and any state or third-party audits.
Training and SOP updates: update internal SOPs for package creation, transfers, receiving, and adjustments so everyone uses the same workflow starting on the effective date (04/02/2026).
Labeling and systems support: DistruLabels and DistruERP
Even when Metrc package designations are correct, day-to-day compliance often breaks down at the labeling and execution layer. DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, and it can help teams stay consistent with Metrc Retail ID compliance by producing standardized labels that match the underlying inventory records.
For larger Minnesota operations that need end-to-end supply chain management beyond labeling, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform, designed to support complex workflows across purchasing, production, inventory, sales, and fulfillment while keeping compliance processes operationally manageable.
Metrc support resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support Portal: access support at https://support.metrc.com (also reachable from within Metrc via the Support menu).
Metrc Learn: training is available at https://learn.metrc.com, and users can also register from inside Metrc via the Support menu option for training.
Metrc Expert: within Metrc, use the in-app knowledge base widget to access step-by-step guides and searchable help content.
