How to Receive Cannabis Packages Without Creating Problems

Why Receiving Is Your Most Important Inventory Control

Every inventory discrepancy has a root cause. Trace most of them back far enough and you will find a receiving error: a package logged at the wrong weight, a UID entered manually instead of scanned, a manifest closed without verifying the physical count.

The receiving dock is where inventory control either starts or does not start. If your receiving process is sloppy, you will be chasing variances for the entire life of that product. If it is disciplined, you start clean.

Before the Driver Arrives

Have a receiving checklist ready before the transfer manifest shows up. You should already know how many packages are expected, what the UIDs are, and what the expected weights or quantities per package should be. Your POS or METRC system should show you the pending inbound transfer.

Review the expected manifest before accepting anything. If what the driver presents does not match what you expected, do not accept the transfer until the discrepancy is resolved. Call your vendor's compliance officer if needed.

The Physical Inspection

This is where most receiving errors happen. The physical inspection is not a formality — it is the last opportunity to catch a problem before it becomes your problem.

• Match every physical package to a UID on the manifest
• Verify the METRC tag on each package matches the manifest UID exactly
• Weigh each flower package and compare to the manifest weight — document any variance
• Check packaging integrity: no unsealed bags, no broken lab seals
• Verify lab testing documentation matches the UID
• Check expiration dates on edibles, tinctures, and topicals

Logging in METRC and Your POS

Once you have verified the physical packages against the manifest, receive the transfer in METRC. This closes the inbound manifest and moves the packages to your license's inventory.

Immediately after the METRC receipt, receive the packages in your POS. These two systems must stay in sync. If you receive in METRC but forget the POS, your POS will show you short — and that discrepancy will compound with every sale from those packages.

When the Numbers Do Not Match

Physical weight does not match the manifest? Document the discrepancy before accepting. Get the driver's signature acknowledging the discrepancy. Log an adjustment in METRC using the correct reason code. Never accept a transfer at the manifest weight when the physical weight is different — that acceptance creates the discrepancy.

Call your vendor's compliance team. Most licensed wholesalers have experienced this situation and have a documented resolution process. Get everything in writing.