New Mexico Cannabis Orientation
State Traceability & BioTrack
BioTrack is New Mexico’s cannabis compliance system. It’s the digital ledger that tracks every move in the cannabis lifecycle, from the moment a seed is planted to the final sale of the product. This "Seed to Sale" tracking ensures that every gram of cannabis is accounted for, not just for internal organization but also to keep everything on the right side of the law.
New Mexico requires every licensed cannabis business to use BioTrack for tracking THC products. This goes for growers, manufacturers, dispensaries, and transporters. It covers every step of cannabis’s journey—from cultivation and production to retail sale and transport—and it’s a system heavily reliant on human input for function and accuracy.
Key Functions of BioTrack
Inventory Management Every gram of cannabis that enters or leaves a licensed business must be logged in BioTrack. The software keeps track of stock levels, so businesses know exactly what they have in real-time. This is crucial for maintaining compliance with state laws about how much product a business can store, how much can be sold, and even how much needs to be kept aside for medical patients.
Quality Assurance BioTrack doesn’t just track how much cannabis is being grown or sold; it tracks the quality of each batch. If a product fails testing for contaminants like mold or pesticides, it’s logged, flagged, and potentially pulled from the supply chain. This allows businesses to ensure that their products are safe for consumers while meeting the state’s stringent testing requirements.
Chain of Custody One of the most important functions of BioTrack is its ability to maintain a clear record of the chain of custody. This is key in the event of a recall. If a product is found to be contaminated or defective, BioTrack allows regulators to trace it back through every stage of its life cycle—where it was grown, when it was harvested, who processed it, and where it was sold. This transparency ensures accountability and helps mitigate risks.
Reporting BioTrack is essential for reporting transactions to state regulatory agencies. Every sale, every transfer, every destruction of cannabis must be recorded in BioTrack. The state can use this data to monitor compliance, check inventory levels, and ensure that businesses aren’t over-producing or diverting product into the black market.
The Importance of Accuracy and Legal Compliance
While BioTrack is a pivotal tool, its success and legality depend entirely on the accuracy of the information entered into it. The system is only as good as the data it contains, and that’s where human input comes in. Missteps can lead to big consequences.
All transactions must be recorded: Every sale, every transfer of product between licensees, and every change in inventory needs to be documented. Failing to do so or trying to move products outside of BioTrack is not just risky—it’s illegal.
Accuracy is critical: Falsifying information or making mistakes in your reporting can lead to serious penalties. If a company were to enter incorrect amounts of inventory, duplicate products, or fail to verify patient information, they could be looking at anything from fines to losing their license, or even federal charges if it’s bad enough.
Security and HIPAA compliance: BioTrack also requires businesses to keep sensitive information secure, especially when it comes to medical cannabis. Patient data must be protected under HIPAA standards, so businesses need to ensure that patient records, including medical conditions and purchasing habits, are securely entered and stored.
Legal Obligations: More Than Just Software
Because BioTrack is tied to state and federal laws, every employee and director involved in cannabis operations must not only use it correctly but also understand their legal obligations. The software ensures compliance, but it’s still up to humans to uphold the letter and spirit of the law. This means verifying the age of customers, maintaining accurate and secure records, and obeying all local and state regulations—no shortcuts.
In the end, BioTrack is as much about transparency and accountability as it is about tracking inventory. It’s the gatekeeper of the cannabis industry’s legal framework, and any missteps—whether intentional or not—can lead to severe consequences. For businesses, staying compliant isn’t just about protecting their license—it’s about keeping the entire operation safe, secure, and sustainable in the eyes of the law.
In Summary:
All transactions must be recorded through BioTrack; never sale or purchase THC products without BioTrack
All transactions must be accurate; never falsify information
All transactions must be secure; maintain security and privacy in regards to HIPPA expectations
Never enter incorrect or incomplete patient information; always verify age and ID
Never enter incorrect or incomplete product information; do not duplicate, replicate or knowingly enter incorrect amounts of inventory