Quick reference

METRC Package Types

Understanding METRC package classifications, labeling requirements, and product type distinctions.

METRC Package Types & Classifications

Understanding package types is essential for accurate METRC tracking and compliance with Maine's labeling requirements.

TypeDescriptionMETRC CategoryLabeling RequirementsCitation
Flower Whole or ground cannabis plant material for retail sale. Flower Lots License number, batch ID, net weight, universal symbol, warnings. THC content optional but recommended. 22 §701(1)
Pre-Roll Pre-rolled cigarettes containing cannabis flower. Flower Lots License number, batch ID, net weight, universal symbol, warnings. Must be child-resistant. 22 §701(1)
Concentrate Extracted cannabinoids (oils, dabs, cartridges, shatter). Concentrate Lots License number, batch ID, net weight, potency (THC/CBD), universal symbol, warnings. Must be child-resistant. 22 §701(1)
Edible Infused food or beverage products (chocolates, gummies, drinks). Infused Edible Lots License number, batch ID, net weight, potency per serving, serving size, universal symbol, warnings. Must be child-resistant and not resemble candy. 22 §703(1)(F)
Topical Cannabis-infused lotions, balms, or creams for external use. Infused Non-Edible Lots License number, batch ID, net weight, universal symbol, warnings. THC content optional. 22 §701(1)
Suppository Cannabis-infused rectal or vaginal products. Infused Non-Edible Lots License number, batch ID, net weight, potency, universal symbol, warnings. Must be child-resistant. 22 §701(1)
Capsule/Pill Cannabis-infused capsules or tablets. Infused Edible Lots License number, batch ID, net weight, potency per capsule, universal symbol, warnings. Must be child-resistant. 22 §703(1)(F)
Tincture Alcohol or oil-based cannabis extracts for oral use. Infused Edible Lots License number, batch ID, net weight, potency per serving, serving size, universal symbol, warnings. Must be child-resistant. 22 §703(1)(F)

Labeling Requirements by Package Type

All cannabis packages must include specific information and warnings as required by Maine law.

Required Label Elements

  • License Number: Cultivation or product manufacturing license number of the producer.
  • Batch ID: Unique identifier linking to METRC batch record.
  • Net Weight: Actual weight of cannabis in package (grams or ounces).
  • Universal Symbol: Maine's cannabis universal symbol indicating THC content.
  • Warning Statements: Required health warnings and age restrictions.
  • Producer Information: Business name and contact information.

Product-Specific Requirements

  • Edibles: Must include potency per serving, number of servings, and not resemble candy. 22 §703(1)(F)
  • Concentrates: Must include THC/CBD percentages and extraction method.
  • Topicals: Must indicate "For External Use Only" and include usage instructions.
  • All Products: Must be child-resistant and tamper-evident. 22 §701(2)

Transfer & Sales Classifications

Different transaction types require specific METRC handling and documentation.

Retail Sales

  • Direct consumer purchases tracked in real-time.
  • Requires ID verification for age 21+.
  • Subject to purchase limits (2.5 oz flower, 10 g concentrate daily).
  • Automatically deducts from inventory. 22 §105(1)

Licensee Transfers

  • Movement between licensed facilities.
  • Requires METRC transfer manifest.
  • Both sender and receiver must approve in METRC.
  • Used for wholesale distribution. 22 §105(2)

Waste & Destruction

  • Products removed from inventory for disposal.
  • Requires METRC waste manifest and OCP approval.
  • Follow specific destruction protocols.
  • Document reason (expired, damaged, etc.). OCP Waste Disposal Guidance

Regulatory Compliance Categories

Understanding compliance requirements prevents violations and ensures product safety.

Packaging Standards

  • All packages must be child-resistant and tamper-evident. 22 §701(2)
  • Edibles cannot resemble commercially available candy. 22 §703(1)(F)
  • Maximum potency limits apply to edibles (10 mg THC per serving, 100 mg per package).
  • Products must be tested for contaminants before retail sale.

Testing Requirements

  • Flower: Pesticides, potency, microbial contaminants.
  • Concentrates: Full panel testing including residual solvents.
  • Edibles: Potency verification and contaminant testing.
  • All products: Homogeneity testing for consistent dosing. OCP Mandatory Testing Guidance

Common Package Type Issues

Troubleshooting package classification and labeling problems.

Classification Errors

  • Wrong Category: Check product composition. Edibles vs. topicals determined by intended use.
  • Missing Labels: Contact producer for replacement labels. Do not sell unlabeled products.
  • Potency Discrepancies: Verify lab results match label claims. Report inconsistencies to OCP.

Labeling Problems

  • Illegible Information: Reject packages with damaged or unreadable labels.
  • Missing Warnings: All packages must include required health warnings.
  • Wrong License Number: Verify producer license is current and matches METRC records.

Accessibility & Print Features

This reference page works with assistive technology and prints cleanly for counter-side use.

Using with Assistive Technology

  • Skip Link: Press Tab when the page loads to access "Skip to content" and jump past navigation.
  • Screen Readers: Navigate by heading (H key) to jump between package types. Table data is properly structured.
  • Keyboard Navigation: All links work with Tab and Enter keys. Visible focus outlines show your position.
  • High Contrast: Text and tables meet WCAG AA standards for readability.

Printing for Reference

  • Clean Output: Navigation automatically hides when printing for a clean quick-reference sheet.
  • Table Optimization: Print in landscape mode for best table layout.
  • Use Print Preview: Press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) to check layout before printing.
  • Save as PDF: Create digital copies to share with staff or keep on tablets.

For full details, see OCP METRC Getting Started Guide.