METRC training

METRC for Budtenders

Essential METRC skills for counter staff: sales processing, package scanning, inventory verification, and compliance procedures.

Sales Transaction Processing

Every sale must be recorded in METRC in real-time to maintain accurate inventory tracking and compliance with Maine's adult-use cannabis program.

  1. Scan Package Tags: Use the METRC scanner to scan each package tag before adding to cart. Verify the product details (strain, weight, THC content) match the physical package. 22 §105(1)
  2. Verify Purchase Limits: Confirm the customer hasn't exceeded daily limits (2.5 oz flower, 10 g concentrate, 5 g edibles) or monthly limits (5 oz flower, 20 g concentrate, 10 g edibles). Use the purchase history in METRC to check. 22 §1501(1)(B)
  3. Customer ID Check: Verify age (21+) with government-issued photo ID. Log the ID type and expiration in METRC if required by store policy. 22 §504(4)
  4. Process Payment: Complete the transaction in the POS system linked to METRC. The system will automatically deduct from inventory.
  5. Handle System Downtime: If METRC is unavailable, document the sale manually and enter it within 24 hours when the system is restored. Keep physical inventory secure. OCP Adult Use Program Rules §6.3

Troubleshooting Sales Issues

  • Package Won't Scan: Check for damage to the tag. If unreadable, contact manager for manual entry and report to OCP.
  • Limit Exceeded Error: Explain limits to customer and suggest compliant alternatives. Document the denial.
  • Payment Processing Failure: Void the transaction, verify METRC connection, and retry. If persistent, escalate to manager.

Package Scanning & Verification

Accurate package verification prevents diversion and ensures product authenticity throughout the supply chain.

  1. Visual Inspection: Check package integrity, label accuracy, and tag placement before scanning.
  2. Scan and Verify: Confirm batch ID, product type, weight, and expiration date match METRC records.
  3. Handle Discrepancies: If information doesn't match, quarantine the package and notify manager immediately. Do not sell. 22 §105(2)
  4. Document Issues: Log any package problems in METRC notes and report to OCP within 24 hours.

Common Package Issues

  • Missing Tag: Quarantine package, notify manager, and contact supplier for replacement.
  • Expired Product: Remove from sale immediately. Dispose according to OCP guidelines. OCP Pesticides Testing Guidance
  • Weight Discrepancy: Recalibrate scale and re-weigh. If significant variance, quarantine and report.

Inventory Management

Regular inventory checks ensure METRC records match physical stock, preventing shortages or overages.

  1. Daily Opening Check: Verify top-selling items match METRC inventory at shift start.
  2. Ongoing Monitoring: Check inventory levels during slow periods, especially for low-stock items.
  3. End-of-Shift Reconciliation: Count physical inventory and compare to METRC. Document any discrepancies.
  4. Report Variances: For discrepancies over 5%, notify manager and OCP. Investigate root cause. 22 §105(3)

Inventory Discrepancy Resolution

  • Overage: Double-check counts. If confirmed, adjust METRC and investigate source.
  • Shortage: Review recent sales and waste logs. Report potential theft to manager and OCP.
  • System Lag: Wait 5-10 minutes for METRC to sync, then recheck. Contact support if persistent.

Error Codes & System Issues

Familiarize yourself with common METRC errors to minimize downtime and maintain compliance.

Common Error Codes

Package Not Found
Tag may be damaged or from another state. Quarantine and contact supplier.
Invalid Package Status
Package may be recalled or expired. Check METRC details and remove from sale.
Connection Timeout
Check internet connection. Retry transaction. Use offline mode if available.

System Down Procedures

  • Continue sales with manual documentation if approved by manager.
  • Enter all transactions within 24 hours of system restoration.
  • Contact METRC support at 1-855-638-3721 for urgent issues.
  • Report extended outages to OCP immediately. OCP Adult Use Program Rules §6.3

Accessibility & Print Features

This training page works with assistive technology and can be printed for offline reference during shifts.

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 move between training sections. All content is properly labeled.
  • Keyboard Navigation: All links and buttons work with Tab and Enter keys. Visible focus outlines show your position.
  • High Contrast: Text meets WCAG AA standards for readability on all backgrounds.

Printing for Reference

  • Clean Output: Navigation and interactive elements automatically hide when printing.
  • Use Print Preview: Press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) to see how the page will print.
  • Landscape Mode: For tables and checklists, use landscape orientation for better fit.
  • Save as PDF: Select "Save as PDF" in your print dialog to create digital training materials for staff.

For full accessibility guidelines, see Budtender Guide Accessibility Section.

Key Differences: Medical vs. Adult Use METRC

While the core METRC functions are similar, staff must be aware of key differences in the medical program:

  • Patient-Specific Sales: All sales must be tied to a specific, verified patient in the system.
  • No Concentrate Sub-Limit: Unlike the adult-use program, there is no separate tracking category for concentrates. All products fall under the single 2.5-ounce limit.
  • Caregiver Transfers: Inventory may be transferred from registered caregivers, requiring specific METRC procedures for intake.