This article explains Metrc (U.S. Virgin Islands) Bulletin USVI_IB_0002, which introduces a new Package Pre-Treatment workflow effective 05/01/2026. You’ll learn what “pre-treatment” means in Metrc, which packages are eligible, where the information is recorded, and what day-to-day operators should change to stay compliant before lab testing.
Bulletin snapshot (USVI_IB_0002)
Bulletin number: USVI_IB_0002
Distribution date: 04/27/2026
Effective date: 05/01/2026
Subject: Package Pre-Treatment workflow
Reason: To let licensees record and distinguish product pre-treatment activities that occur prior to laboratory testing, improving transparency and auditability in Metrc.
What the Package Pre-Treatment workflow does
Metrc’s Package Pre-Treatment workflow adds a structured way to record when a cannabis product package has been pre-treated before it is submitted for laboratory testing. The pre-treatment details are captured at the package level and are designed to remain visible across the package lifecycle, including package history and data outputs used for compliance and oversight.
Operationally, this is meant to reduce ambiguity about how a sample or package was handled prior to testing. By documenting pre-treatment in Metrc, the system becomes the source of truth for whether a product was pre-treated, how it was done, and why.
Where you’ll see it in Metrc: the new “Pre-Treat” action
Metrc is adding a new package-level action for eligible inventory on the Active Packages screen.
When used, the Pre-Treat action records key pre-treatment details for the selected package(s), including:
• Package selection
• Method
• Reason
• Required pre-treatment steps
• Pre-treatment date
Eligibility rules operators must understand
Whether you can pre-treat a package is controlled by both your regulator configuration and the package’s current testing status.
Facility setting: The Pre-Treat option is visible only for facilities where Pre-Treatment has been enabled by the regulating agency.
Item category setting: Pre-Treatment is only available for Items assigned to an Item Category where Pre-Treatment has been enabled by the regulating agency.
Lab test status requirement: Only packages with a lab test status of NotSubmitted can be pre-treated.
How pre-treatment is recorded and displayed (audit visibility)
Once recorded, Metrc stores the pre-treatment details as part of the package’s audit trail.
Package history: The Pre-Treatment Method, Reason, and Steps are recorded in Package History, helping compliance teams and auditors confirm what occurred and when.
Packages grid indicator: Metrc adds a “Contains Pre-Treated” column with a Yes/No value to help teams quickly identify affected packages during daily inventory review.
Persistent icon: Pre-treated packages display a dedicated pre-treatment icon throughout Metrc, and it stays with the package for its lifecycle. Hover text indicates that the package contains pre-treated product.
Practical implications for day-to-day cannabis operations
This change impacts how cultivation, manufacturing, QA, and compliance teams prepare inventory for testing and how they document handling steps.
Update your pre-test SOPs: If your operation performs any pre-treatment activities prior to lab submission, you should align internal SOP language and responsibilities so the Metrc Pre-Treat action is completed consistently and on time.
Train staff on timing: Because only NotSubmitted packages are eligible, teams should pre-treat (and document it) before creating/initiating the testing submission workflow that changes the package’s lab test status.
Improve internal QA traceability: The method, reason, and steps captured in Metrc can be used to reconcile internal batch records, deviations, and lab communications, reducing “tribal knowledge” and strengthening defensibility during inspections.
Inventory review becomes faster: The “Contains Pre-Treated” Yes/No indicator and icon make it easier for managers to filter or spot pre-treated inventory when preparing shipments, selecting samples, or reviewing compliance reports.
API and downstream reporting considerations: Because Metrc notes that pre-treatment persists across system history and endpoints, integrators and compliance reporting workflows should be reviewed to ensure pre-treatment fields are being captured, retained, and displayed appropriately in connected systems.
Labeling and retail implications: keeping IDs and packaging compliant
While this bulletin focuses on documenting handling prior to lab testing, operators should also ensure packaging and labeling workflows remain consistent with Metrc-driven traceability, especially where Retail ID and package identifiers must be applied accurately.
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels and can help teams maintain clean label outputs that align with Metrc Retail ID compliance needs as products move through packaging and sale preparation.
DistruERP: For larger, multi-department operations that need end-to-end supply chain management, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed to connect inventory, production, compliance workflows, and execution at scale.
Metrc support and training resources
If your team needs help enabling, understanding, or using the new workflow, Metrc provides multiple support channels.
Metrc Support: Submit and track a case through support.metrc.com or call 877-566-6506.
Support hours (ET): Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday voicemail or portal only.
Metrc Learn: Metrc’s on-demand training platform is available from within Metrc (Support dropdown) and provides interactive system training.
Metrc Expert: Use the in-app knowledge base widget in Metrc for step-by-step guidance and searchable help content.
Additional resources: Visit metrc.com for state partner pages and training links relevant to your program.
