With cannabis product recalls plaguing states across the U.S., the industry is in dire need of better regulation. But unless the substance becomes federally legalized, it’s incredibly difficult to regulate an entire nation.
But one company is on its way to doing just that.
Cannabis regulatory technology systems provider Metrc recently launched Metrc Retail ID, a new solution designed to enhance supply chain transparency, bolster compliance, simplify brand processes and reduce labor for retailers and brands through item level identification and serialized QR codes. By sourcing product information directly from Metrc, this service helps ensure product visibility and fuel improvements in public safety.
“Consumers are demanding more insight into their purchases, driving a heightened focus on transparency and traceability,” says Michael Johnson, CEO of Metrc. “Metrc Retail ID provides the necessary visibility for all industry stakeholders, improving market confidence and consumer safety, while also reducing the associated burdens of product labeling and protecting the reputation and bottom line of cannabis businesses.”
How Retail ID QR Codes Work
Retail ID takes the form of a QR code on product labels that gives consumers quick access to item-level product data such as origin, potency, flavors, test results and Certificates of Analysis (COAs). All consumers have to do is scan the QR code to receive access to all of this information.
Retail ID is also easy for brands to implement. The unique code eliminates both relabeling and secondary labeling, acting as a barcode for checkout. Initial time trial studies from Metrc show a reduction of 60 seconds in labor per item. On average, this equals about 2,000 hours in labor savings per year.
“Since there isn’t a standard SKU or universal product code for each product at dispensaries, they have to come up with their own SKUs, which can be different every time they receive a package, even if it’s the exact same product,” explains Johnson. “This has become a challenge for brands. Retail ID fixes this issue, bringing standardization across the supply chain.”
Creating a Safe and Robust Market
Retail ID carries a plethora of benefits for consumers, retailers, brands and regulators, especially tying into recent concerns over the slow speed of cannabis recalls. As states continue to update their labeling requirements, the service then allows retailers to instantly update the product information — making everyone’s lives easier for developing a safer industry.
States like Maryland and Montana have already begun requiring QR codes, and it’s likely that more states will follow suit. Retail ID gives regulators greater visibility over where specific products are going, and this will be helpful during a product recall. Not only can regulators have more information about the spread of contaminated products, as soon as a recall is issued, the consumer will be able to know if their specific product is affected by scanning the label.
Major brands are already embracing Retail ID, with partners including Wyld, Planet 13, Glass House Brands and more.
“Brands can easily sign up with us, it’s not a difficult process,” says Johnson. “We’re rolling it out state by state merely to keep the flow in line so we can ensure we’re providing the best service for folks who are asking questions.”
At this time, Metrc has enabled new features within the system in Maryland, Montana and Nevada, offering operators the ability to generate QR codes that can be implemented quickly. The states who will have access to functionality in coming weeks are Michigan, New Jersey, Missouri, Mississippi and Louisiana.
The company states that it is working to expand this access across additional Metrc markets.
