Overview
This guide walks you through how to create, generate, and print compliance labels using Distru Labels, a free tool designed to help you with compliance labeling, including labels with METRC Retail ID (MRID).
⚠️ Note: If you are a Distru ERP user, please use these guides on label printing within the ERP platform.
General Process
Follow this workflow to create and print your compliance labels. After creating a template and selecting your package, the process splits into two paths depending on whether you need METRC Retail IDs (MRIDs). The diagram below shows both workflows:
When to Use Each Workflow:
Labels Without METRC Retail IDs - Use this workflow when:
Your state does not require METRC Retail IDs (MRIDs) on compliance labels
You need to print general package labels with product information, batch numbers, and compliance warnings
You're creating labels for packages that will not be sold at retail
Labels With METRC Retail IDs - Use this workflow when:
Your state requires METRC Retail IDs (MRIDs) for retail sale tracking
You need unique, scannable QR codes on each individual product package
You're preparing products for retail dispensaries where state regulations mandate MRID tracking
⚠️ Important: Check your state's specific compliance requirements. Some states require MRIDs on all retail cannabis products, while others do not use this system at all.
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting and Additional Resources
Creating Label Templates
To design a label template that meets your compliance needs:
Go to the Label Templates page.
Click Create Template.
Name your template and select your desired label size.
Distru Labels supports labels up to 12 inches high and 12 inches wide.
Always check your state's requirements for label sizing.
Now you can add elements to your label by either:
Clicking Add Layer and selecting your desired element or
Selecting the element from the Icon Bar.
⚠️ Important! Make sure you upload any required graphics or images for your state's compliance label— for example, warning signs or state-specific symbols.If necessary, add a METRC Retail ID (QR code) field if your state requires METRC Retail IDs.
⚠️ Important: Templates without a QR field cannot be used for packages with METRC Retail IDs.
Add dynamic data fields to your label.
Type @ to pull in dynamic properties from the METRC package, such as strain name, batch ID, THC%, terpenes, or license number.
You can preview how the template will look by selecting a METRC license and METRC Package.
Design your label layout.
Click and drag text or image boxes to move them.
Resize using the green corner handles or by entering exact size values.
Adjust font size, color, boldness, and layer order from the right-hand panel.
You can move elements below or above other elements by dragging them in the Layers section on the right hand side.
Save your template.
When finished, click Create Template to save it.
Printing Labels Without METRC Retail IDs
This workflow applies when you’re printing labels that do not include METRC Retail IDs.
Go to METRC Packages.
Find your package => Click the 3 dots => Select Print Label.
Choose your template (Only templates without QR elements will be visible).
Review the preview — it will include any static data or text you’ve added.
Note: Dynamic METRC Package data is not available outside of METRC-linked packages.
Click Download PDF to generate your labels.
Open the PDF and print it using your preferred label printer.
✅ You can use any label printer, though Distru recommends using a Zebra Label Printer.
Printing Labels With METRC Retail IDs
For packages that require METRC Retail IDs, follow this workflow.
Go to the METRC Packages section.
Find your package => Click the 3 dots.
If you haven’t already created them, click Generate METRC Retail IDs and create you desired number of labels. Packages with existing METRC Retail IDs will have a QR logo next to the package name.
Click Print METRC Retail IDs.
Choose your label template.
Only templates containing the METRC Retail ID QR code can be selected.
Select which IDs to print.
You can hide already printed IDs to avoid duplicates.
Click Download PDF.
The PDF will download to your computer, and the printed IDs will be marked as Printed in Distru Labels.
Print the file using your label printer.
⚠️ Important: Each METRC Retail ID QR code represents a unique identifier and must not be reused.
Label Printing Settings
Printing from a web browser
Once a PDF file is downloaded, open the file in your web browser and set the right settings to start printing labels.
Destination - a label printer you are using to print these particular size labels.
Copies - a number of labels you are printing.
Paper size - a label size; choose from provided size or create a custom one.
Quality - choose DPI based on your label printer configuration.
Scale - choose “Fit to paper”.
And click “Print”.
Printing from Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Once a PDF file is downloaded, open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader and set the right settings to start printing labels.
Printer - a label printer you are using to print these particular size labels.
Copies - a number of labels you are printing.
Page Setup - a label size; choose from provided size or create a custom one.
And click “Print”.
Troubleshooting and Additional Resources
For troubleshooting common issues, check out this article [templateholder].
If you’re a Distru ERP user, refer to the separate ERP Label Printing Guide in that product’s help collection.