In Nevada, all licensed cannabis entities—including distributors—must use the state’s mandated seed-to-sale system, METRC (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting & Compliance). Authorized by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) on November 1, 2017, METRC ensures full transparency and regulatory oversight across the entire cannabis supply chain.

METRC Account Activation & Training

Every cannabis distributor must register and maintain an active METRC account. Participation begins with mandatory METRC training: a New Business (Level 1) session followed, for logistics operations, by Advanced (Level 2) for Processor/Distributor instruction. Distributors may not transport cannabis until staff complete training and account activation.

RFID Tagging: Plants & Packages

Under METRC, items within the supply chain must be tagged using proprietary RFID tags. Although distributors typically handle packages—not individual plants—they are still responsible for tracking every tagged item received and shipped. Every package receives a unique METRC package tag, linked to its strain, potency, weight, date, and origin.

Transportation Manifests & Real-Time Reporting

Before any movement, distributors must generate electronic transportation manifests within METRC. These include:

• Origin and destination establishment details (name, license, address)
• Product specifics (name, weight, quantity)
• Date/time estimates for loading/unloading
• Vehicle information (make, model, license plate, METRC-issued vehicle card)
• Transport personnel data (license or agent card numbers and signatures)

These manifests are critical for compliance. Distributors must carry copies during transit and submit manifest data to both origin and destination receptions. Any deviation—including unscheduled stops, breakdowns, accidents, or delays—must be reported to the CCB within set timeframes.

Secure Transportation & Storage

Distributors are required to secure cannabis products during both transit and storage. Vehicles must:

• Be unmarked (no cannabis branding)
• Use lockable cargo areas or lockboxes inaccessible from passenger areas
• Contain security measures like audible alarms

Should transportation exceed 100 miles or require overnight stops, products may be temporarily stored—up to 48 hours—in state-approved, locked, and temperature-controlled storage. All such stops must be logged in METRC and approved in advance.

Inventory Reconciliation & Storage Audits

Upon receipt at the destination establishment, distributors must verify inventory against the METRC manifest, record discrepancies, and update METRC records accordingly. CCB agents may audit vehicle and storage areas anytime; distributors must produce METRC logs and access records upon request.

Loss, Theft, & Incident Reporting

Distributors are obligated to immediately report any instances of theft, diversion, accidents, or unauthorized stops to the CCB and law enforcement. All related events, along with supporting documentation (e.g., manifests, incident logs), must be retained and made available for CCB review.

Importance of Compliance

Strict adherence to METRC’s protocols ensures legal compliance, prevents diversion, and supports public safety. Real-time traceability fosters transparency and facilitates prompt CCB audits or recalls.