New York Metrc Transition 2026: What Operators Need to Know Now
The New York cannabis market is poised for a major shift: the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has announced it will move from the BioTrack seed-to-sale system to Metrc, targeting early 2026 for statewide deployment (OCM Announcement). As of September 2025, the detailed project timeline is still under development, but OCM, Metrc, and leading industry integrators are already collaborating to shape the transition.
This post will help operators, compliance teams, and integrators prepare for the New York Metrc transition 2026 by outlining actionable next steps, data migration best practices, training requirements, compliance tie-ins, and a 2025 readiness checklist.
Why New York Is Migrating From BioTrack to Metrc
BioTrack has supported New York’s regulated cannabis supply chain through its start-up phase, but as the market matures, OCM’s leadership concluded that Metrc’s audit trails, reporting tools, and integrations offered a better fit for large-scale oversight and enforcement. Other states have adopted Metrc to enable standardized reporting, more robust traceability, and consistent compliance enforcement across growers, processors, distributors, and retailers (WGRZ News).
Early 2026 Go-Live: Key Dates (Tentative)
- Now (Fall 2025): OCM and Metrc finalize API specifications, sandbox testing availability, and communication to operators.
- Q1 2026: Targeted integration go-live for Metrc. All licensees must be prepared to transition off BioTrack.
- Late 2025–Early 2026: Data migration, parallel system runs, and staff retraining must begin.
Stay current by monitoring official OCM STS News and your integrator’s implementation advisories (Metrc New York page).
Step 1: Take Inventory of All STS-Relevant Data
Successful migration from BioTrack to Metrc starts with a complete audit of your seed-to-sale (STS) data. You’ll need to:
- Export all package IDs, plant tags, transfer logs, and compliance lab records (COAs)
- Map and verify the lineage for all active inventory and in-process transfers
- Ensure serial numbers and unique IDs (UIDs) are accounted for and mapped correctly
- Assess your point-of-sale (POS), ERP, and LIMS system integrations for BioTrack dependencies
Tip: Start early. The sooner you map existing data, the less chance of loss or mismatches during migration (Distru Advisory).
Step 2: API, System, and Contract Prep
- Document all API calls and third-party integrations linked to BioTrack. Identify which workflows and reports will need refactoring for Metrc.
- Request sandbox/test credentials from your vendors to run parallel processes and verify successful data transfer.
- Work with legal counsel or consultants to update integrator contracts, including cutover support provisions and audit log retention clauses.
Step 3: Data Migration and Reconciliation—Avoiding Risk
A rushed or under-planned migration can result in lost inventory, duplicate UIDs, or broken chain-of-custody records. Build risk controls into your BioTrack data migration:
- Set up crosswalk scripts to reconcile package IDs and tag serials between platforms
- Use sandbox environments to simulate real-world record transfers
- Identify possible collision points (identical IDs, overlapping timestamps) and draft SOPs for manual corrections
- Document open transfers and lab results at cutover time to ensure seamless handoff
Step 4: Staff Training and SOP Refresh
Metrc’s interface and authorization model are significantly different from BioTrack. OCM and Metrc are expected to provide webinars, credentialing, and knowledge bases—begin onboarding key staff as soon as test environments are available.
- Assign in-house Metrc ‘champions’ to participate in early training rounds
- Refresh user permissions to align with Metrc’s role-based access controls
- Update internal SOPs for plant tagging, batch closure, discrepancy resolution, and destruction procedures to reflect Metrc workflows
- Conduct tabletop drills to practice “day one” Metrc cutover reporting
Step 5: Audit Trail and Reporting Deadlines
The transition to Metrc will likely bring:
- Revised reporting deadlines and frequency, especially during parallel run (“shadow”) periods
- Requirements for new audit trail procedures, as Metrc tracks amendment histories and role delegations more extensively
- Potential re-issuance of package and plant tags in Metrc format—plan for allocations and label printing needs
Operators should proactively develop a calendar of cutover deadlines, and assign teams to monitor reporting accuracy.
2025–2026 Readiness Checklist for New York Cannabis Operators
- Export and back up all BioTrack inventory, transfer, and compliance data by end of 2025
- Map all POS/ERP/LIMS integrations and verify Metrc compatibility with vendors
- Update SOPs for migration scenarios—open transfers, partial batches, historical record corrections, and user training
- Negotiate contract addenda with integrators for cutover and conversion support
- Budget for staff training, possible parallel system licensing, and tag reissuance costs
- Monitor OCM and vendor advisories for sandbox availability, mandatory training, and live date confirmation
Compliance Takeaways
- Stay informed: OCM’s seed-to-sale email list (STS@ocm.ny.gov) is the official channel for migration alerts and FAQs.
- Plan for delay and reconciliation windows: There may be gaps in reporting as records are reconciled; build internal logs to maintain continuity.
- Audit your compliance: Prepare for stricter audit requirements—Metrc’s logs are more granular, and the OCM is expected to increase random inspections during the transition period.
For Investors and Ancillary Providers
The New York Metrc transition 2026 also represents a crucial inflection point for POS, integrator, and software vendors. System providers should:
- Launch test pilot programs with clients in sandbox environments
- Offer hands-on migration and cutover consulting
- Develop real-time alerting for API failures or data mismatches during the transition
Looking Ahead: Preparing Now Secures Compliance for 2026
This early-2026 OCM seed-to-sale migration is one of the most significant regulatory compliance events for New York cannabis since licensing began. Getting ahead—by preparing data, bolstering staff training, and investing in migration risk controls—will safeguard your operations, reduce business risk, and facilitate inspection readiness.
For up-to-date transition schedules, advisories, and compliance support, turn to CannabisRegulations.ai. Stay informed, stay compliant, and ready your team for New York’s Metrc future.
