Metrc (New York) Support Bulletin NY_IB_0009 provides ongoing guidance for New York cannabis licensees on how to flag a package as a trade/vendor sample, how to register the correct Metrc transfer type when sending that sample to another facility, and how to properly adjust trade sample inventory after it has been distributed to employees.
Bulletin context and scope (NY_IB_0009)
Bulletin number: NY_IB_0009
Distribution date: 2/16/2026
Effective date: Ongoing
Subject: Trade/Vendor Sample Process and Transfer Type
Contact point: Metrc Support
This bulletin was issued by Metrc in collaboration with the New York Office of Cannabis Management to clarify the correct Metrc workflow for trade/vendor samples, including how to mark packages, transfer them, and remove them from active inventory when they are ultimately distributed as employee trade samples.
How to flag a package as a Trade/Vendor Sample in Metrc
To designate an entire package as a trade/vendor sample, Metrc instructs licensees to use the Trade Sample flag from the Packages grid.
• Navigate to the Packages grid and locate the package you want to designate as a trade/vendor sample.
• Select the package, then choose the Trade Sample drop-down action.
• Use the caret drop-down options to select Flag, which marks the entire package as a trade sample.
Once flagged, the package can be visually identified in Metrc as a trade sample (the bulletin indicates this is shown with a suitcase-style indicator in the package view).
Important compliance limitation: After a trade sample package has been transferred to another facility, the trade sample indicator cannot be unflagged. Operationally, this means you should confirm you selected the correct package and intended use before registering a transfer, because the designation is effectively permanent once that package moves to another licensee.
How to transfer a Trade Sample package (correct transfer type and price)
When the trade sample package is ready to be sent to another facility, the bulletin directs New York licensees to use a specific transfer type and pricing approach.
• Navigate to Packages and select the Active tab to find the flagged trade sample package you intend to transfer.
• Select the package and click New Transfer.
Transfer type requirement: In the New Transfer window, select Unaffiliated as the transfer type.
• Complete all other required transfer details, including destination facility, planned route, departure and arrival times, and transporter information (as applicable to your operation and New York requirements).
Wholesale price requirement: Enter $0.01 as the wholesale price for the trade sample package.
• Select Register Transfer to complete the action.
Day-to-day implication: Teams responsible for outbound logistics should treat trade sample transfers as their own standard operating procedure inside Metrc, because choosing the wrong transfer type or omitting required fields can create transfer rejections, receiving delays, or inventory discrepancies that are time-consuming to reconcile.
How to adjust Trade Sample inventory after employee distribution
The bulletin clarifies that once a licensee has received trade sample packages and dispersed them to employees, those quantities must be adjusted out of active inventory in Metrc.
• Navigate to Packages > Active, locate the trade sample package, and select the Adjust action.
In the Adjust Packages window, you can record the change in either of two ways depending on your internal workflow.
Option 1 (reduce by amount): Enter the amount being given out in the Adj. Quantity field.
Option 2 (set remaining balance): Enter what should remain after distribution in the New Quantity field.
Reason requirement: Select Employee Trade Sample from the Reason drop-down.
Required note requirement: In the Required Note field, enter the employee’s first and last name who received the trade sample.
• Enter the Adjustment Date.
Finishing the package: If the adjustment will bring the package to zero, select the Finish Package checkbox and enter the date the package was finished.
Day-to-day implication: This employee distribution workflow is a common point of audit attention because it directly impacts on-hand inventory. Ensuring the correct adjustment reason and employee-identifying note helps create a clear chain of accountability and reduces the risk of unexplained shrinkage or miscategorized adjustments.
Practical compliance impacts for New York operators
Inventory accuracy: Trade samples are still regulated cannabis inventory until they are properly transferred or adjusted. Failing to adjust employee distributions will leave overstated on-hand quantities in Metrc, which can trigger reconciliation issues during internal reviews or regulatory inspections.
Process discipline: Because trade sample flags cannot be removed after a transfer to another facility, operations teams should verify the correct package and intended purpose before flagging and transferring.
Transfer execution: Selecting Unaffiliated as the transfer type and entering a wholesale price of $0.01 are specific bulletin directions. Align your dispatch/transfer team on these specifics so transfers are registered consistently and are easier to receive and verify.
Metrc and compliance resources (including labeling)
Metrc Support and training resources
Metrc Support Portal: Licensees can contact Metrc Support via support.metrc.com or from within the Metrc system using the Support area in the navigation toolbar. First-time access typically requires your state selection, facility license number, and an email to set a password.
Metrc Learn: Metrc’s training platform provides role- and facility-oriented learning programs. Access it via learn.metrc.com.
Additional Metrc resources: Within Metrc, use the Support dropdown to find guides, manuals, and other educational materials relevant to daily workflows.
Metrc API Support: For API-related questions, the bulletin references contacting the Metrc API team at api-info@metrc.com.
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