The Cole Memo

On May 16, 2023, Metrc announced that Illinois planned to award the company a contract for its cannabis seed-to-sale tracking system.

According to a press release issued today by the State of Illinois, the state will transition to Metrc as its new seed-to-sale tracking system for medical and adult-use cannabis sometime this summer. The system will introduce RFID tags to track cannabis plants from seed to sale. Unlike other states, Illinois says cannabis businesses will not be charged for these tags, subject to certain restrictions. The press release also highlighted that Metrc will integrate with point-of-sale systems.

“We look forward to this new partnership with Metrc to ensure Illinois continues advancing the safest and most secure cannabis market,” said Erin Johnson, Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer. “We are eager to work alongside the Metrc team to enhance compliance efficiencies, promote industry and consumer education, and bolster public safety to protect the integrity of the most equitable cannabis market in the country.” 

The state confirmed that BioTrack, the current seed-to-sale system, will remain in place until Metrc launches. According to the press release, Metrc provides seed-to-sale tracking in 27 jurisdictions and has training and implementation support services available for industry participants to help with the transition.

You can read the entire press release from the state below.

Press Release

Previous Coverage

I recently wrote about this topic and another cannabis-system transition that is expected in the future. You can read about it here.

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#296 – Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Begin: Key Takeaways from Days 1 & 2 – The Cole Memo

The federal cannabis rescheduling hearings are underway, and this episode breaks down the biggest developments from the first two days. We cover testimony from DEA and FDA officials, arguments over the government's shift from a five-part to a two-part medical use test, and reactions from opponents of the proposed move to Schedule III. We also discuss what the hearings do and do not address, including why the proceedings focus on regulation rather than legalization. Plus, we look at the U.S. Supreme Court's recent gun rights ruling for cannabis consumers and how that decision is already influencing other cases, including potential implications for Illinois. As always, you'll find links to the original reporting and sources discussed throughout the episode. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/30/e296/

1. #296 – Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings Begin: Key Takeaways from Days 1 & 2 32:59
2. #295 – Inside the Ascend Strike: Cannabis Workers Speak Out [Illinois] 39:01
3. #294 – Federal Cannabis Developments & Illinois Cannabis Law Updates 47:03
4. #293 – Federal Cannabis Developments & What We Learned in Chicago 03:02:35
5. #292 – Governor Pritzker Signs Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Into Law 18:13