The Cole Memo

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

A press release from the State of Illinois on February 4, 2025, confirmed that the state will transition to Metrc this summer, replacing BioTrack.

According to new implementation documents shared by Metrc, the phased rollout will begin April 1, 2025, with testing labs and transporters, followed by cultivators, infusers, and dispensaries in late April and May.

Licensees will receive state-funded RFID tags, with ordering available April 28. According to Metrc, details of the tag ordering process will be communicated to each licensee over the next few weeks. In-person and virtual trainings will be provided.

Below are key dates and deadlines from the Metrc implementation plan for Illinois:

• April 1, 2025: Credentialing opens for Testing Labs and Transporters
• April 25, 2025: Credentialing opens for all license types
• April 28, 2025: RFID tag ordering begins
• May 25, 2025: All testing must transition to Metrc
• June 17, 2025: Full market migration deadline (all licensees should be migrated to Metrc and operational)
• July 1, 2025: BioTrack system shuts down

For more information, visit metrc.com/partner/illinois or view the full implementation plan provided by Metrc below.

Comment below with your thoughts and consider supporting my work!

You can support The Cole Memo with a one-time, monthly, or yearly contribution.

#289 – Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Heads to the Governor's Desk – The Cole Memo

In Episode 289 of The Cole Memo, Cole recaps a major week in Illinois cannabis policy as the omnibus cannabis and hemp legislation officially heads to Governor J.B. Pritzker's desk. He highlights key developments from recent coverage, reflects on conversations with advocates and lawmakers, and shares where listeners can find deeper analysis of the legislation. The episode also features a live Q&A covering homegrow advocacy, possession limits, cannabis consumption lounges, patient representation, and the ongoing effort to build grassroots support for broader cannabis reform in Illinois. Plus, Cole discusses recent recognition from Marijuana Moment and previews upcoming guests and projects. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/06/04/e289/

1. #289 – Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Heads to the Governor's Desk 26:10
2. #288 – Illinois cannabis bill heads to Governor’s desk for signage 29:42
3. #287 – Illinois Lawmakers Approve Cannabis Reform Package 08:17
4. #286 – Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Passes the House: What Happens Next? 47:12
5. #285 – Illinois Cannabis Omnibus Nears Finish Line as Lawmakers Race the Clock 22:08