Metrc Retail IDs

What is a Metrc Retail ID?

A Metrc Retail ID is a unique QR code assigned to an individual cannabis product unit. It enables item-level tracking throughout the supply chain and can be scanned by distributors, retailers, and consumers.

Distributor Use:

Distributors use Retail IDs to maintain traceability and compliance as products move through the supply chain. Use cases include: Retail IDs help reduce manual relabeling and improve consistency when moving products between cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

Retailer Use:

Retailers use Retail IDs to support key workflows such as: receiving and inventory management, point-of-sale operations, consumer transparency initiatives. Depending on their system, Retail IDs may also help reduce manual relabeling and streamline product intake.

Consumer Use:

When scanned, a Retail ID QR code may direct consumers to a product page with information such as: product details, testing results, and ingredients.

Bamboo makes it easy to generate Retail IDs directly within the platform. Please note that Retail IDs created in Metrc cannot be synced into Bamboo, as Metrc does not currently support this functionality.

To avoid duplicate records and ensure a smooth workflow, we recommend creating Retail IDs in either Metrc or Bamboo not both. For the most streamlined experience, we suggest generating Retail IDs in Bamboo.

Before You Begin

Before using this feature, verify that the Metrc User Key associated with your Bamboo license has the appropriate permissions enabled in Metrc.

1. Log in to Metrc.
2. Navigate to the employee or administrator whose User(API) Key is connected to Bamboo.
3. Confirm that the user has permission to Manage Product Labels.

Adding Metrc Retail IDs to Labels:

To begin, you can either create a new inventory label or add to an existing one.

The key variable you need is the Metrc Retail ID:
 

Once your template is complete you can began printing your Retail ID labels.

Generating and Printing Retail ID labels

Please be sure the lots you are selecting to print retail ID labels for:

• Have a testing status of Passed
• Are Final Form goods - packaged and ready for retail sale
• If required in the state you are in; marked as Finished Goods under the license the Retail IDs are allotted under 

1. Navigate to Inventory > Lotted > End Products.
2. Select the lot for which you would like to generate Retail IDs.

Next, choose your desired label options. Bamboo allows you to specify exactly how many Retail IDs you would like to generate and print.

You can then:

• Preview the labels before generating them, or
• Save as PDF to generate the final labels.

Metrc advises generating 5-10% extra Retail IDs in case of any damages to the labels.

Click OK to generate your Metrc Retail ID labels.
 

Important

Previewed labels contain placeholder Retail IDs and are intended for layout verification only. Retail IDs are not created until you click Save and generate the final PDF.

Common Reasons Retail IDs May Not Generate

Retail IDs may fail to generate for the following reasons:

• The package has not reached a Test Passed status.
• The Metrc user associated with your API key does not have the required Product Label permissions.
• The package is not eligible for Retail ID generation based on Metrc requirements.
• The package already inherits Retail IDs from a source package, making it ineligible for new Retail ID generation.

If QR Codes are Not Scanning Consistently

If a QR code is not scanning consistently, review the following:

• Print quality and size
  • Ensure the label printed clearly and at an appropriate size
  • Blurry, stretched, or overly small QR codes may not scan properly
• Label placement
  • Avoid placing QR codes on seams, folds, corners, or highly curved surfaces
  • These surfaces can distort the code and prevent scanning
• Surface glare or obstruction
  • Ensure the QR code is not covered by shrink wrap or packaging materials
  • Avoid reflective surfaces that may create glare or visual distortion
• Scanner compatibility
  • Confirm the scanner or mobile device supports QR code scanning
  • Verify the device is functioning correctly