Change is in the air in Illinois’ cannabis market. The Prairie State is transitioning from BioTrack to Metrc as its official seed-to-sale traceability system, which will impact all licensed cannabis businesses – particularly dispensaries. In this blog, we’ll outline the key differences between BioTrack and Metrc, the timeline for the Metrc Illinois implementation, and exactly what Illinois cannabis retailers need to do to ensure a smooth transition and stay compliant.
What Is Metrc?
Metrc, which stands for Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance, is a cannabis traceability system. It tracks cannabis products from cultivation all the way through the final sale in a dispensary or retail store. Metrc allows state regulators complete visibility into the cannabis supply chain, enabling them to monitor compliance and prevent illicit activities. Metrc is already in use in over 20 states to ensure transparency and operational efficiency within the cannabis market.
Metrc vs. BioTrack: What’s the Difference?
While BioTrack and Metrc serve the same function of tracking cannabis products and ensuring compliance, they differ in several key areas – particularly in their system design and how they interact with point-of-sale (POS) systems.
Let’s break down the key differences between these two seed-to-sale tracking systems.
Interface and Usability
Metrc and BioTrack both offer user interfaces designed to streamline the tracking and reporting process. However, the layout and user experience vary between the two systems. Retailers may find differences in how information is displayed, how users interact with the system, and how tasks like inventory tracking and compliance reporting are executed.
Tagging System
Metrc uses RFID (radio frequency identification) tags for tracking cannabis products. These unique tags allow for real-time product tracking throughout the supply chain. For retailers, you simply need to keep the tags that come on the products provided by your vendors.
On the other hand, Biotrack uses barcodes to identify and track cannabis products. Both systems serve the same purpose.
Real-Time Data Tracking and Enforcement
Both Metrc and BioTrack are capable of real-time data tracking. As a retailer, you need to ensure that all data is entered and updated as transactions occur. While both systems are designed to facilitate timely reporting, the way they handle updates and enforcement varies slightly based on each compliance system’s POS integration.
POS/API Integration Capabilities
Unlike BioTrack, Metrc does not offer a point-of-sale platform, so retailers must integrate their POS system with Metrc’s API to manage sales and compliance data. You do have the flexibility to choose any POS that integrates with Metrc.
Compliance Workflows
Metrc and BioTrack both have built-in compliance workflows that help ensure regulatory compliance. These include processes for inventory tracking, product transfers, and sales reporting. While the compliance functions are similar, the specific processes and steps within each system will differ.
Does Illinois Use Metrc or Biotrack?
As of July 1, 2025, Illinois will use Metrc as its official seed-to-sale traceability system. Prior to July 2025, BioTrack was the state’s seed-to-sale traceability system of choice.
Official Illinois Metrc Transition Timeline
The transition from BioTrack to Metrc is being carried out in phases. Retailers will begin the process in April 2025. Here’s what the timeline looks like:
- April 25, 2025: Credentialing for all license types opens.
- May 1, 2025: Retailers should begin setting up their Metrc integration.
- June 17, 2025: All cannabis businesses, including dispensaries, should be fully migrated to Metrc.
- July 1, 2025: BioTrack will be officially decommissioned, and Metrc will be the sole system of record.
Retailers must be ready to integrate their POS systems with Metrc during this period, so it’s crucial that you coordinate with your software vendor to meet the migration deadline.
What Illinois Cannabis Retailers Need to Do
Here’s a breakdown of the steps you’ll need to take during this transition:
- Training and Certification: Every licensee must complete Metrc’s mandatory training through the Metrc Learn portal. This training will ensure your staff knows how to navigate the system, track inventory, and manage sales in compliance with Illinois regulations.
- Inventory Migration: Retailers will need to migrate inventory from BioTrack to Metrc, ensuring that all products are tagged properly and tracked in real time.
- New SOPs and Workflows: Retailers must update their standard operating procedures to align with Metrc’s requirements. This includes new processes for inventory reconciliation, receiving product, and sales reporting.
- Direct Costs: The state of Illinois will cover the core costs of Metrc; however, there may be indirect costs for retailers, such as the time required for training, staff adjustments, and system integrations.
- Software Upgrades: If your current POS system doesn’t support Metrc integration, you may incur additional costs for system upgrades or replacements. For Cova users, there is no additional cost for the Metrc integration – it’s already built into the system.
How Does This Affect Your SOPs and Daily Operations?
The switch to Metrc will mean several changes for your daily operations. For instance, all product shipments must be accompanied by Metrc manifests. This means you’ll need to verify shipments against the manifest and ensure all products are correctly tagged in the system. Metrc also requires that only tagged inventory be sold, and all sales must be accurately recorded in real time.
You’ll also need to implement processes for regularly reconciling inventory to ensure it aligns with Metrc’s data. This might require additional reporting steps, especially during the initial transition phase.
How Cova Can Support Your Transition
Here at Cova, we have extensive experience with Metrc integrations in multiple states. Our advanced integration with Metrc Connect ensures faster, more reliable syncing of inventory, sales, and compliance data between your POS system and Metrc. We also offer real-time compliance tracking to help you stay prepared for audits and future regulatory changes. Finally, our expert onboarding team will support you through the entire transition process, from setup to staff training and implementation.
While this transition may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be difficult. We’re ready to help you no matter where you’re at in the process – just reach out for a personalized Metrc-readiness review at the link below. You can also schedule a free demo to see exactly how Cova’s Metrc-integrated POS can help improve your Illinois retail operation!