This bulletin explains how Metrc (New York) adult-use cannabis processors must record hemp-derived ingredients and hemp-based inputs by creating hemp-only items and bringing them into Metrc using the External Transfer (Incoming) workflow. It covers when the functionality is available, how to obtain New York OCM approval, how to set up the required hemp item categories, how to register and complete an External Hemp Transfer, and what this changes for day-to-day receiving, tagging, and inventory compliance.
Bulletin summary: hemp inputs must be entered into Metrc
New York adult-use cannabis processors that use hemp-derived ingredients or hemp-derived cannabinoids in adult-use cannabis products must enter all hemp-derived inputs into Metrc. Metrc and the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issued this guidance to standardize how hemp and hemp-based products sourced from outside Metrc are brought into a licensed facility’s Metrc inventory.
What changed: External Transfer enabled for hemp intake
Metrc is enabling External Transfer functionality specifically to record hemp and hemp-based products entering a cannabis establishment license from sources outside of Metrc. The workflow is designed to mirror standard manifest planning, with one key difference: the receiving licensed business creates the incoming transfer plan and assigns Metrc package tags when completing receipt.
Availability date: The External Hemp Transfer capability is stated as available starting 07/22/2026.
Effective date: Ongoing.
OCM permission required (New York)
This External Transfer functionality for hemp intake requires specific authorization from the New York OCM.
OCM approval contact: STS@ocm.ny.gov
Operationally, this means your team should not assume the External Hemp Transfer option will appear (or should be used) until OCM has approved your facility to use it.
Step 1: Create hemp-only items in Metrc (Admin > Items)
Before you can register an incoming External Hemp Transfer, Metrc requires an Item record that represents what you are bringing into inventory. The bulletin directs users to create items under the Admin area.
Navigation: Admin > Items > Add Items
Important compliance rule: The item must be a hemp-only product item (not a cannabis item and not a mixed-category item).
Allowed item categories for this process: Hemp Concentrate - Bulk; Hemp - Bulk Hemp for Flower Hemp
After entering the item name and selecting the correct hemp category, create the item so it becomes available to select during External Transfer creation.
Step 2: Register an incoming External Hemp Transfer (Transfers > External Transfer)
Once the hemp-only item exists, you can plan the inbound shipment using the External Transfer screen in the Transfers area.
Navigation: Transfers > External Transfer
On the External Transfer grid, use the Incoming tab and create a new transfer. You will enter shipment details and the packages you intend to receive, referencing the newly created hemp-only items for each package line.
Transfer type: External Hemp Transfer
Planned route: The bulletin instructs that the planned route should clearly indicate the movement is a Hemp Only External Transfer.
When the shipment plan information is complete, register the transfer to create the incoming External Hemp Transfer record in Metrc.
Step 3: Receive the hemp transfer and assign Metrc package tags
After the incoming External Hemp Transfer is registered, the transfer must be completed to place inventory into your active packages list.
To receive it, select the option to complete the transfer from the incoming transfer record. Metrc will prompt you to assign Metrc hemp package tags to the incoming packages.
Physical handling requirement: The bulletin emphasizes that you must assign tags in Metrc and physically apply the corresponding tags to the physical packages.
Once the tags are assigned and applied, complete the transfer. The packages will then appear in your facility’s active Packages inventory grid.
Day-to-day operational implications for New York licensees
This bulletin affects daily compliance workflows for any New York adult-use processor using hemp-derived cannabinoids or ingredients.
Receiving SOPs must expand: Hemp inputs sourced from outside Metrc now require an External Hemp Transfer plan, item mapping to hemp-only categories, and tag assignment at receipt, rather than informal receiving records or internal-only logs.
Inventory accuracy and audit readiness: Because hemp inputs become tagged Metrc packages at intake, downstream manufacturing, formulation, and consumption steps can reference fully tracked package sources, supporting clearer chain-of-custody during inspections and reconciliations.
Item governance matters: Creating correct hemp-only items (and keeping naming conventions consistent) reduces receiving delays, prevents category confusion, and supports cleaner reporting when hemp-derived inputs are consumed into adult-use cannabis products.
Training and permissions: Teams need the right Metrc permissions to manage transfers and the operational training to register, complete, and tag external hemp receipts without creating duplicate or miscategorized inventory.
Web API notes: creating external incoming transfers (New York)
The bulletin includes Metrc Web API documentation for creating external incoming shipment plans.
API server (NY): https://api-ny.metrc.com/
Endpoint: POST /transfers/v2/external/incoming
Purpose: Creates external incoming shipment plans for a facility.
Permission required: Manage Transfers
Key parameter: licenseNumber (the facility license number for which to create the shipment plan)
For operators integrating with Metrc, this endpoint supports programmatic creation of incoming external transfer plans, but you should align data fields (shipper identity, destinations, package lines, units of measure, and dates) with your internal receiving documentation to prevent downstream reconciliation issues.
Labeling and Retail ID: where Distru fits
Accurate intake and package creation in Metrc is only one side of compliance; as materials move toward packaging and sale, label execution becomes the next common failure point.
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, and it helps operators stay aligned with Metrc Retail ID compliance by making it easier to generate and apply the identifiers and label details tied to Metrc-tracked inventory.
DistruERP: For larger operations that need full supply chain management beyond labels, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform, supporting connected workflows across inventory, manufacturing, sales, and fulfillment in a way that complements Metrc-tracked processes.
Support resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support Portal: https://support.metrc.com/
Metrc API Support: api-info@metrc.com
Metrc also notes that in-product Support menu links can route users to guides, manuals, and training resources, which can be useful when updating receiving procedures to include External Hemp Transfers.
