This update applies to Metrc (Virginia) and reflects Metrc Support Bulletin VA_IB_0018, distributed 03/30/2026 and effective 04/06/2026. It introduces the Investigation Discovery feature and updates how Metrc displays and confirms actions involving packages on Administrative Hold or Administrative Recall, especially during Transfers, Sales Receipts, and Sales Deliveries.
Bulletin overview (VA_IB_0018)
Metrc is enhancing the Administrative Holds process with a new capability called Investigation Discovery. The main operator-facing change is that Metrc will provide clearer, more explicit confirmations (or an error, depending on state permissions) when a licensee attempts to move or sell inventory that is On Hold or On Recall.
What “Investigation Discovery” means in Metrc
Investigation Discovery is a control mechanism for regulators. It allows the state to extract and analyze data first before placing inventory under an Administrative Hold or Administrative Recall. The intent is to help regulators identify the correct products and understand the scope of an investigation prior to taking enforcement action.
For licensees, the practical takeaway is that administrative actions may be more targeted, and Metrc will be more transparent in the workflow when you attempt to transact with affected packages.
Transfer action window changes for held or recalled packages
Metrc is updating the Transfer workflow when packages on Administrative Hold or Administrative Recall are included.
If Virginia allows transfer of held or recalled packages
When the state configuration allows a transfer to proceed, Metrc will present confirmation checkboxes indicating the transfer contains items that are On Hold and/or On Recall. These confirmations must be selected before the transfer can be registered in Metrc.
If Virginia does not allow transfer of held or recalled packages
When the state configuration does not allow the transfer, Metrc will block registration of the transfer and display an error message indicating the transfer cannot proceed due to the package status.
This distinction matters operationally because the same package status can result in either a required confirmation step or a hard stop, depending on how the state has configured permissions.
Sales Receipt and Sales Delivery confirmations (On Hold/On Recall)
Metrc is also adding confirmation checkboxes to Sales Receipts and Sales Deliveries when items are On Hold or On Recall.
Per the bulletin, Metrc is not introducing a universal block on these actions. Instead, it is adding visibility so the user clearly acknowledges they are attempting to sell or deliver items that are currently on hold or recall.
Day-to-day operational implications for Virginia licensees
These interface changes are small, but they have meaningful compliance implications for daily workflows:
- Fewer “accidental” violations: The new confirmations create a deliberate pause that helps staff catch hold/recall status before completing a Transfer, Sales Receipt, or Delivery.
- More consistent internal documentation: When your team must explicitly confirm status, it becomes easier to enforce SOPs around quarantining, investigation response, and restricted movement.
- Training is essential: Inventory, distribution, and retail teams should be trained to treat “On Hold” and “On Recall” as compliance-critical statuses and to escalate internally before proceeding.
- Potential customer and partner impact: If transfers are blocked (based on state rules), shipping schedules and fulfillment commitments may need immediate adjustment, and customer communication may be required.
How to manage Administrative Hold and Recall risk in Metrc workflows
Because these statuses can surface at the point of transfer or sale, operators should align their operations so holds and recalls are identified earlier in the process:
- Tighten intake and pick/pack controls: Verify package status in Metrc during picking, staging, and pre-manifest checks, not only at the final action window.
- Use clear physical segregation: If product is on hold/recall, ensure it is physically separated and clearly marked to prevent it from being selected for transfer or sale.
- Document internal approvals: If state rules allow certain movements, require manager or compliance approval before checking confirmations and proceeding.
Labeling and Metrc Retail ID implications
While this bulletin focuses on holds/recalls and action-window confirmations, it reinforces a broader point: compliance depends on accurate, traceable identification at the package and retail level. Clear, compliant labels help prevent downstream confusion when inventory is flagged during an investigation.
DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels. It can support smoother day-to-day operations by helping teams generate accurate labels and stay aligned with Metrc Retail ID expectations at the point of sale and fulfillment.
For larger multi-site or high-volume operators who need deeper operational control, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed for end-to-end supply chain management, helping teams coordinate inventory, sales operations, and compliance workflows at scale.
Metrc Support and training resources
If you need help interpreting these changes or troubleshooting a workflow impacted by Administrative Hold or Recall status, Metrc provides support and training resources.
- Metrc Support: Submit a case through the Metrc Support portal, call 877-566-6506, or use live chat through the Metrc Expert widget.
- Metrc Learn: Training and interactive education are available at https://learn.metrc.com. You can also access training from within Metrc by using the Support menu and selecting Sign up for Training.
- Metrc website: State partner pages and training resources are available at https://www.metrc.com.
Effective 04/06/2026, Virginia operators should expect these new confirmations and potential transfer restrictions to appear anywhere held or recalled packages intersect with Transfers, Sales Receipts, and Sales Deliveries.
