The Cole Memo

Metrc, the company behind the seed-to-sale tracking system used in several state cannabis programs and soon to be Illinois’ official provider, announced a series of sustainability initiatives in a recent press release.

The company says it has redesigned its plant tags to use 30% less plastic, with a single-layer format that reduces total production waste by 46%. According to Metrc, the changes are expected to divert 185,000 pounds of material from landfills and reduce carbon emissions by 295 metric tons per year. Metrc stated that the new tags began rolling out gradually across Metrc markets in February, with a full implementation expected in the coming months.

Metrc also stated it will eliminate the use of anti-static pink plastic bags in its packaging, replacing them with more sustainable brown paper alternatives. The company estimates this change will remove nearly 11,000 pounds of plastic from the supply chain each year.

In honor of Arbor Day, Metrc announced a donation of 5,000 trees through the nonprofit One Tree Planted, aimed at supporting reforestation in areas affected by wildfires and natural disasters.

The company says it has been working with environmental consulting firm Resource Innovations to evaluate and reduce its environmental impact across key areas, including waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Metrc is also preparing to become Illinois’ new seed-to-sale tracking provider, replacing the state’s current system, Biotrack. You can read more about that transition by clicking here or by going directly to this link: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/24/time4metrc/

Comment below with your thoughts and consider supporting my work!

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

#247 – What could rescheduling mean for cannabis policy? – The Cole Memo

I’ll be joined by a surprise guest to recap the latest developments in cannabis policy and what they could mean for both businesses and consumers. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/12/22/e246/

1. #247 – What could rescheduling mean for cannabis policy? 54:03
2. #246 – Cannabis Is Legal in Illinois, So Why Are People Still Being Arrested 40:14
3. #245 – Live From the Oval Office: Trump Directs AG to Expedite Cannabis Rescheduling Process 39:06
4. #244 – Talking Cannabis Rescheduling With Its Harshest Critics 44:25
5. #243 – Social Equity, Transporters, Rescheduling, and the Future of Hemp With Ali Jubelirer 01:01:29