The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer (CROO) released a notice for cannabis business establishments in Illinois concerning Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags from Metrc.

The notice stated that cannabis business establishments must order Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags from Metrc to place on all cannabis plants and packages for entering the item into Illinois’ required inventory seed-to- sale track and trace system. Illinois will directly pay Metrc for RFID Tags to reduce the financial burden on cannabis businesses, within certain reasonable limits to ensure the ordering process is in good faith and reflects business needs. Businesses may also purchase tags independently from Metrc at their own expense.

There are two types of RFID Tags: Plant and Package Tags. Plant Tags track the plant from immature growth phase through harvest. Package Tags track any amount of harvested cannabis, intermediary products, or any cannabis-infused product that may be sold, processed, or transferred. Plant Tags are larger and more expensive than Package Tags.

Below is the abbreviated process for ordering new Tags. The detailed steps are on the following page.

1) Business chooses which kind and how many Tags to order.

2) Business places an order through their Metrc account on IL.Metrc.com.

3) If the business has hit the tag on hand limit and believes they need more tags,1 they can:

1. Request the State cover an increased Tag order by emailing CROO and using a State form.
2. Order Tags from Metrc and pay directly for the independent order, including shipping and taxes.

4) Receive the Tags and place them on plants or packages and then activate.

Additional materials will be available soon from Metrc to explain activation and use of Tags. Questions or concerns can be sent to FPR.CROO@Illinois.gov.

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