Key Track-and-Trace (Metrc) Compliance Deadlines Every California Cannabis Licensee Must Know

California cannabis licensees are subject to strict track-and-trace reporting requirements enforced by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Failure to comply with these timelines can expose a business to citations, fines, license discipline, or suspension.

Most critical track-and-trace regulatory timelines that cannabis businesses must follow to remain compliant:

24-Hour Reporting Requirements

Within 24 hours, licensees must:

• Report any significant discrepancies in inventory to the DCC.
• Confirm, accept, or reject transfer manifests in the track-and-trace system.

Three (3) Calendar Day Requirements

Within three calendar days, licensees must:

• Record the receipt of plant tags and package tags.
• Correct any data entry errors in the track-and-trace system.
• Record any plants destroyed during the growing period.
• Record the movement of immature plants into the mature canopy area and immediately apply the assigned individual plant tag to each plant.
• Apply immature plant tags to plants received from a licensed nursery.
• Record the harvest of a mature plant, or any portion of a mature plant.

New License Obligations: 10-Day Deadline

Within ten (10) calendar days of receiving a new cannabis license, a licensee must:

• Complete the track-and-trace credentialing process.
• Place the initial order for plant or package tags.

Ongoing 30-Day Compliance Requirements

At least once every 30 calendar days, licensees must:

• Reconcile all on-site cannabis inventory with the information reflected in their track-and-trace account.
• Review the list of authorized users and remove any individuals who are no longer authorized to enter information into the system.

Missing this deadline can delay operations and expose a new licensee to early enforcement risk.

If you have questions regarding California’s track-and-trace requirements or need assistance responding to a compliance issue or enforcement action, feel free to contact our firm. Our team works with cannabis businesses to identify any possible risks, maintain compliance, and protect their licenses.

All track-and-trace reporting and reconciliation timelines are governed by CCR, title 4, Article 6 – Track and Trace Requirements. Licensees are responsible for knowing and complying with these regulations regardless of business size or license type.