The Differences Between Biotrack and Metrc Track-and-Trace Systems

The cannabis industry is booming, but with growth comes responsibility, especially when it comes to compliance. Traditionally, every licensed cannabis operator must use state-mandated track-and-trace systems to record and report product movements from seed to sale.

Why? Because regulators need a clear picture of where every cannabis product is at all times from cultivation and testing to transportation and retail sales.

Most states require licensed cannabis operators to use one of two primary track-and-trace systems:

• Metrc (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance)
• BioTrack

While both serve the same purpose of ensuring cannabis compliance, they have major differences that can impact your daily operations.

We'll explore these differences and how the right cannabis business software can make compliance easier, not harder.

What is a Track-and-Trace System, and Why Does It Matter?

A track-and-trace system is a state-regulated compliance tool that monitors the movement of cannabis throughout the entire supply chain. It ensures that businesses stay within legal guidelines by:

• Tracking inventory at every stage (cultivation, testing, manufacturing, distribution, retail)
• Monitoring lab results to ensure product safety (pesticides, potency, contaminants)
• Preventing diversion into the illicit market
• Recording and reporting product data to the state in real-time

Here’s the truth: While track-and-trace systems are required, they don’t automatically keep you compliant; they only provide a way to report your data. Cannabis operators are responsible for:

• Following purchase limits
• Ensuring accurate inventory records
• Staying audit-ready

Learn More On Track-and-Trace in Cannabis

Metrc vs. BioTrack: The Key Differences

Both track-and-trace systems ensure state compliance, but their methods, features, and usability differ. Let’s break it down further.

How BioTrack Works

BioTrack is a state-mandated track-and-trace system used in various states. It provides compliance tracking for dispensaries, cultivators, and manufacturers. It also offers optional cannabis business software solutions, but businesses can choose a third-party integrated seed-to-sale system, like Flourish.

How BioTrack Works in Practice

• Cultivation: Each plant gets a 16-digit barcode for tracking.
• Harvesting: Once processed, the plant receives a new batch tracking ID.
• Testing: Labs verify potency, pesticides, and contaminants.
• Transportation: Every shipment requires a detailed manifest.
• Retail Sales: Customers are assigned unique IDs to track purchase limits.
• Labeling: Historically, BioTrack hasn't charged for its labels. However, they are implementing a fee for producing globally unique 16-digit codes for tracking.

Where BioTrack is Required

BioTrack is mandated in these states:

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois (Transitioning to Metrc in 2025!)
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Virginia

How Metrc Works

Metrc is the most widely used track-and-trace system in the U.S., designed for state compliance and supply chain visibility. Unlike BioTrack, Metrc does not include a POS system, so cannabis businesses must choose third-party cannabis business software to manage retail operations.

What Makes Metrc Different?

• Uses RFID tags instead of barcodes for tracking every plant and product.
• Requires all post-harvest materials to have tracking identifiers, not just retail-ready products.
• Retailers must log detailed product information (strain, potency, harvest date).
• Every product movement must be reported, including transferring plants between rooms.

Learn the True Costs of Metrc

Where Metrc is Required

Metrc is required in more than 20 states, including:

• California
• Colorado
• Michigan
• Nevada
• Oregon
• New Jersey
• Missouri
• Washington D.C.
• And many more!

Click the Map to Learn More about State Track-and-Trace

What Happens If You Don’t Stay Compliant?

Ignoring track-and-trace rules can cost you big.

In California, cannabis businesses can face fines of up to $30,000 per violation per day for unlicensed individuals and $5,000 per violation per day for licensed businesses.

In Colorado, violations are categorized into levels, with Level I violations being the most severe, leading to license suspensions, hefty fines, or permanent closures.

Penalties vary by severity minor infractions might result in warnings, but major violations can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in fines and potential license revocation.

How Flourish Software Simplifies Cannabis Compliance

Managing a cannabis business involves more than growing and selling products; it’s about ensuring compliance, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Here's Where Flourish Software Comes In

As the cannabis and hemp industries grow, tracking compliance, inventory, and customer engagement becomes more complex. From cultivation to retail, Flourish Software offers a fully integrated seed-to-sale platform that connects directly with Metrc and BioTrack, ensuring that businesses remain compliant while optimizing their operations.

How Flourish Software Supports Track-and-Trace Compliance

• Seamless integrations with Metrc and BioTrack for accurate track-and-trace reporting.
• Real-time inventory tracking to ensure businesses stay audit-ready.
• Automated compliance reporting to avoid fines and license issues.
• Scalable cannabis business software for dispensaries, cultivators, and manufacturers.
• Optimized workflows that streamline the entire seed-to-sale process.

Want to simplify compliance and grow your operations? Schedule a Demo Today!