New York Cannabis POS
Q&As

1. Why do I need a POS that integrates with Metrc?

When the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) initially selected the BioTrack traceability system, a the decision was made not to allow direct user interface to log in and submit reports. Instead, all sales and inventory actions were to be automatically reported to BioTrack in real time through your point of sale (POS).  

In September of 2025, it was announced that Metrc will replace BioTrack as the state traceability system for New York. The current timeline for Metrc implementation in New York is December 17th, 2025, and the OCM will continue to mandate automated reporting via approved POS/inventory tracking software. Retailers are required to us a system that integrates with Metrc.

2. Will Cova be ready to integrate with Metrc in New York?

Yes, Cova is committed to full integration with Metrc in New York as soon as timelines are confirmed and integrator validation begins. At this time, New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has announced that APIs and endpoints will be made available in October, and that the Metrc traceability system rollout is planned for late December, 2025. 

Cova continues to work diligently in coordination with the OCM to support New York clients through the transition. We will align with OCM timelines and leverage extensive experience working with Metrc in other states to ensure top-tier integration upon rollout.

3. How will Cova integrate with Metrc and how does Cova simplify compliance for New York cannabis retailers?

Cova’s cannabis dispensary software uses API integration to sync directly with Metrc in many U.S. states, using the latest Metrc Connect application programming interface. Once APIs specific to New York are made available (October 2025), Cova will complete the work ahead of the traceability system rollout (December 2025) so sales and inventory actions will be automatically reported to the state’s system via your POS in real time. 

For more information on how Metrc works, check out our Retailer's Guide to Metrc Compliance.

As a compliance-first company, Cova helps New York cannabis retailers stay compliant with integrated ID scanners that verify customers’ ages and flag invalid or expired cards. Cova also helps your budtenders stay compliant with built-in purchase limits, automated THC equivalency calculations for different types of products, and auto-apply taxes. This automation greatly reduces human error and the risk of infractions, fines, and cannabis license suspension or revocation. The back-end Cova hub allows you to set operational hours, establish limits on discounts, and program different levels of employee permissions.

4. What is the timeline for Metrc implementation in New York?

Metrc has released the following timeline of anticipated milestones in New York traceability implementation:

• October 22, 2025 - Access to Metrc Connect API & testing endpoints available
• October 30, 2025 - Credentialing begins for Testing facilities
• November 7, 2025 - Metrc credentialing opens; Start UID orders for plants, packages, items
• November 10, 2025 - Start receiving tags with Metrc UIDs; Virtual testing samples created for product already
  tested/sent to testing facilities for COA upload
• November 14, 2025 - Beginning inventory begins
• November 21, 2025 - Setup business in Metrc;  All required Admin info (Strains, Items, Processing Jobs, Employees, Locations, Drivers)  in Metrc
• December 5, 2025 - Testing facilities upload results for product already tested
• December 15,2025 - All inventory tagged in Metrc
• December 17, 2025 - All licensees in the system

For more information and the latest updates, refer to the OCM seed-to-sale page.

5. Why is Cova the best POS for New York dispensaries?

Cova has helped hundreds of cannabis retailers across North America launch and expand their businesses. From startups to multi-location enterprises, Cova provides the tools and reliability dispensaries need to stay ahead in the highly competitive and constantly evolving cannabis industry. Here are just a few reasons why Cova is one of the highest rated and most-trusted cannabis tech brands:

Proven Reliability: Cova provides the most reliable cannabis POS platform on the market, with ZERO network outages on 4/20 for seven years running. 

Industry Expertise: Our launch team goes beyond basic system setup, training, and tech support. We show retailers how to implement dispensary best practices, how to operate within their jurisdiction’s cannabis regulations, how to hire and train the best dispensary staff, and how to avoid common mistakes while staying ahead of the competition.

Best-in-Class Features & Integrations: Cova offers a range of third-party software integrations to streamline dispensary operations. These integrations enhance various aspects of the business including payment processing, loyalty programs, compliance reporting, accounting, online menus, digital signage, and delivery management. For more information on third-party integrations, check out our partners page. 

Transparent Pricing: We pride ourselves on offering fair, reasonable pricing with no hidden fees, ever. All plans come with full access to the essential tools and features you need to succeed, including offline mode, unlimited users and transactions, reports and analytics, and automated compliance.

Flexible Payment Options: Cova supports integrated and non-integrated payment solutions with the best rate.