This article summarizes Metrc (Minnesota) Support Bulletin MN_IB_0059 (distributed 03/26/2026; effective 04/02/2026), which introduces Trade Sample functionality in Metrc and explains how to designate, transfer, and properly adjust trade sample packages.
Bulletin summary: what changed in Metrc Minnesota
What’s new: Minnesota Metrc users can now mark a package as a Trade Sample so it is clearly identified in Metrc (including on manifests and in package views).
Purpose: Trade Samples are intended to let other licensees (and/or employees, as allowed) try or evaluate products.
Key restriction: Trade Samples are not allowed to be sold for any dollar amount and are not for end consumers.
What qualifies as a Trade Sample (and what does not)
A Trade Sample should only be used when the package is truly intended as a sample for other licensed businesses (or employees, consistent with program expectations) to evaluate a product.
Not for consumers: A Trade Sample package cannot be sold to an end consumer.
Not a pricing workaround: Trade Samples must not be transferred as a “$0 sale” that functions like a retail promotion or discount program.
How to designate a package as a Trade Sample in Metrc
Create a new package as a Trade Sample
When creating a package using the New Packages action, select the Trade Sample checkbox (located in the package creation window below the package date field). This marks the package as a Trade Sample at the moment it is created.
Flag or unflag an existing package before transfer
If a package already exists and you realize it should be treated as a Trade Sample (or should not be), you can flag or unflag it from the Packages grid using the Trade Sample button.
Critical compliance note: Once the package has been transferred, the Trade Sample designation cannot be undone. This makes pre-transfer review essential before you include the package on a manifest or accept it as a receiving facility.
How Trade Samples display in Metrc (identification and visibility)
Icon indicator: After a package is marked as a Trade Sample, Metrc displays a briefcase-shaped icon to help users quickly identify it in the Packages grid and on transfer manifests.
Optional grid column: You can add a Trade Sample column to the Packages grid by opening column settings (via the column menu) and enabling the Trade Sample field, making it easier to filter and verify status during daily workflows.
Receiving and “using up” a Trade Sample: required adjustments
After a Trade Sample is received and then sampled/used, the receiving facility should adjust the package quantity down to zero.
Adjustment reason: Use the Trade Samples adjustment reason in Metrc.
Documentation expectation: Include a note identifying the employee who sampled the product to support internal controls and audit readiness.
Practical operational implications for Minnesota licensees
Manifest and receiving controls: Because Trade Sample status becomes permanent after transfer, shippers should verify the designation before manifesting, and receivers should confirm they are accepting a Trade Sample intentionally (not a standard inventory package mistakenly flagged).
Inventory accuracy: Trade Samples should be planned as non-revenue inventory movement. Teams should align SOPs so production, sales, and compliance staff understand that Trade Samples cannot be sold and must be properly adjusted after use.
Audit trail clarity: Consistent use of the Trade Sample designation, plus the required adjustment to zero with employee notes, improves traceability and reduces ambiguity during inspections or internal audits.
Metrc resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support portal: Access support at https://support.metrc.com (also reachable from within Metrc via the Support menu). First-time portal access typically requires your state, facility license number, and a valid email to set credentials.
Metrc Learn training: Interactive training is available at https://learn.metrc.com and may also be accessed from within Metrc by selecting “Sign up for Training” under the Support menu.
Metrc Expert knowledge base: Use the in-app Metrc Expert widget to access step-by-step guides and searchable help content.
Labeling and system tools to support day-to-day compliance
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, helping operators keep label data aligned with operational needs, including Metrc Retail ID compliance workflows where applicable.
DistruERP: For larger, multi-department operations, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed for end-to-end supply chain management (inventory, orders, manufacturing, and compliance-focused workflows) alongside Metrc processes.
