Bulletin | Metrc Fee Increases | August 2, 2023

To: Marijuana Establishments and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers
From: Shawn Collins, Executive Director
Date: August 2, 2023
Subject: Metrc Fee Increases

As noted during the July 13, 2023 public meeting, Metrc has provided the Cannabis Control Commission (“Commission”) with information regarding anticipated fee increases for Massachusetts’ cannabis industry, per their bulletin, “Metrc Support Fees & Tag Updates”. To ensure regulated marijuana products are closely monitored throughout the supply chain for compliance with state law and regulations, including testing and other public health and safety protocols, all Licensees must pay the Commonwealth’s Seed-to-sale system of record provider a monthly Seed-to-sale licensing fee in addition to costs associated with plant and package tag fees.

For the first time since 2018, when Metrc began operating as the Commonwealth’s Seed-to-sale tracking system of record, fees will increase in September 2023. Monthly licensing fees, as well as plant and package tag fees, will increase by 3% effective September 1, 2023. This amounts to a pre-tax impact of approximately $1.20 per monthly Metrc licensing fee and $0.01 per tag. In addition to the increase in fees paid by industry, fees the Commission pays for the Seed-to-sale tracking system also increased by 3% starting June 30, 2023.

The agency is acutely aware of the challenges these increases present Marijuana Establishments and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers already navigating an increasingly competitive legal landscape while facing uniquely cost prohibitive operational costs due to the ongoing Schedule I status of marijuana at the federal level.

In accordance with 935 CMR 500.005(1)(a) and 935 CMR 501.005(1)(a), all Licensees have a regulatory obligation to pay their monthly licensing fee to Metrc, the current seed-to-sale provider—with exceptions for Certified Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants and Social Equity Program Participants—in addition to buying the required plant and package tags for all inventory. The Commission will continue to honor existing fee waivers for applicable constituents.

Questions regarding updating of payments or delinquent accounts should be directed to Metrc Support at 877-566-6506 or Support@metrc.com.

Licensees with questions are encouraged to speak to their assigned Lead Investigator or Compliance Officer directly. Questions regarding this notice may also be directed to the Commission by calling the agency at (774) 415-0200.