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.

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Rep. La Shawn Ford on What's Next for Illinois Cannabis Legalization | E327 – The Cole Memo

Illinois State Representative and Democratic congressional nominee La Shawn Ford returns to The Cole Memo to discuss the future of cannabis policy in Illinois. Following the passage of major cannabis reforms earlier this year, Ford shares his thoughts on the legislation, his disappointment with the state's approach to hemp, and what additional reforms lawmakers may consider. The conversation also explores Ford's proposal to use cannabis tax revenue to support struggling families, industry opposition to expanding home grow rights to all adults, and concerns about consolidation in Illinois' cannabis market. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/16/e327/

1. Rep. La Shawn Ford on What's Next for Illinois Cannabis Legalization | E327 35:03
2. Illinois Cannabis Sales Rebound, DEA Rescheduling Update & Governor's Forum | E326 02:04:35
3. Massive Outdoor Home Grow, Patient Portal, & Cannabis Event This Week | E325 54:40
4. The Future of Illinois Cannabis: A Roundtable With Aaron Del Mar | E324 01:03:20
5. Should Cannabis Tax Dollars Pay for License Plate Readers? | E323 01:01:59