Metrc (Virginia) published Support Bulletin VA_IB_0018 (distributed 03/30/2026; effective 04/06/2026) announcing “Investigation Discovery,” an update that changes how Metrc displays and confirms actions involving packages on Administrative Hold or Administrative Recall. This article explains what’s changing in Metrc, how it affects transfers and sales workflows, and what Virginia operators should do day-to-day to avoid compliance mistakes.
Bulletin overview: what changed and when
Bulletin number: VA_IB_0018
Distribution date: 03/30/2026
Effective date: 04/06/2026
Subject: Investigation Discovery Feature
Reason for change: Metrc is updating action windows for packages that have been placed on Administrative Hold or Administrative Recall.
What “Investigation Discovery” means in Metrc
Investigation Discovery is a control mechanism that supports regulators by allowing them to extract and analyze relevant Metrc data before they initiate an Administrative Hold or Administrative Recall. The operational goal is improved accuracy: regulators can better identify which specific packages are implicated and understand the potential scope of an investigation before enforcement action is applied.
For licensees, the headline impact is visibility and acknowledgment. Metrc will present clearer, more explicit confirmations when you attempt to transfer, sell, or deliver items that are currently flagged as On Hold or On Recall.
Transfer workflow update for packages on Hold or Recall
Metrc is updating the Transfer “action window” behavior when packages involved in a transfer are on Administrative Hold or Administrative Recall.
When Virginia allows transfers of held/recalled packages
If the state configuration allows transfers that include packages on Administrative Hold or Administrative Recall, Metrc will require positive confirmation in the Transfer action window.
• You will see confirmation checkbox(es) indicating the transfer contains items that are currently On Hold or On Recall.
• You must select the applicable checkbox(es) before the transfer can be registered in Metrc.
Practically, this means your shipping team should expect an additional required acknowledgment step during transfer creation/registration whenever any package on the manifest is flagged as held or recalled.
When Virginia does not allow those transfers
If the state configuration does not allow transfers that include packages on Administrative Hold or Administrative Recall, Metrc will block registration of the transfer and display an error message indicating the transfer is not allowed due to the hold/recall status.
Practically, this means your operations team should be prepared to remove impacted packages from the transfer, work with compliance leadership on next steps, and coordinate with the state/regulator as appropriate before attempting to transfer again.
Sales Receipt and Sales Delivery confirmations (Retail)
Metrc has also added confirmation checkbox(es) to both Sales Receipts and Sales Deliveries action windows when items involved are On Hold or On Recall.
Metrc’s intent here is transparency: the system alerts the user to the product status at the point of sale/delivery and requires acknowledgment. The bulletin notes that Metrc does not prevent further licensee actions in these windows; instead, it provides visibility that the package being sold or delivered is currently On Hold or On Recall.
Practically, this changes day-to-day retail workflows by creating an explicit “pause point” for budtenders and delivery staff to verify whether the transaction is appropriate under Virginia rules and internal SOPs, and to escalate to a manager/compliance lead when necessary.
Day-to-day compliance implications for Virginia operators
Expect more on-screen compliance prompts: Transfers, sales receipts, and sales deliveries will more clearly surface hold/recall status, reducing “I didn’t notice” errors but increasing the need for staff training and consistent procedures.
Reduce accidental movement of restricted inventory: The transfer confirmation requirement (or transfer blocking, depending on state rules) helps prevent improperly shipping product that is under regulatory action.
Improve internal investigation response: Because regulators can analyze data before placing holds/recalls, operators should be prepared for more targeted enforcement actions and should maintain tight inventory hygiene (accurate package statuses, locations, and documentation) to respond quickly.
Reinforce manager escalation at POS: Since sales windows may still allow continuation after acknowledgment, your internal policy should define when a hold/recall flag requires stopping the transaction, quarantining product, and notifying compliance.
Metrc data accuracy and labeling alignment
Holds, recalls, and investigation workflows are only as effective as the underlying package and retail item data in Metrc. Clean labeling and consistent retail ID practices help reduce downstream confusion when products are flagged, pulled, or reviewed.
DistruLabels (free): DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels and can help support Metrc Retail ID compliance by generating consistent, scannable labels aligned to the identifiers your team uses in day-to-day operations.
DistruERP (for larger operations): DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform built for larger operators that need complete supply chain management across purchasing, production, inventory, sales, and fulfillment—helping keep Metrc workflows aligned with real operational movement.
Metrc support and training resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support: Submit a case in the Metrc Support portal, call 877-566-6506, or use live chat through the Metrc Expert widget.
Metrc Learn: Metrc’s training platform is available at https://learn.metrc.com and is also accessible within Metrc via the Support menu by selecting “Sign up for Training.”
