Cannabis distributors play a pivotal role in the “seed‑to‑sale” lifecycle, but their duties extend far beyond transportation. Effective warehousing and fulfillment are critical to maintaining product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
Secure, Compliant Warehousing
Distributors establish purpose-built, licensed warehouses that meet strict state and local regulations. These facilities often include controlled environments to preserve product integrity—particularly for moisture-sensitive items like flower or edibles, and temperature-sensitive concentrates. Proper ventilation, temperature and humidity control, as well as the secure storage of high-value products, are standard requirements.
Robust Inventory Tracking
Every cannabis movement must be logged via seed‑to‑sale tracking systems like Metrc or BioTrack. Distributors use integrated Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms—such as Distru, Flourish, or Infoplus—that synchronize in real time with state systems. These platforms automate barcode scanning, batch/lot management, and chain‑of‑custody reporting to maintain transparency and compliance.
Receiving and Putaway
Inbound shipments are received and verified against manifests. Packages are scanned and inspected, then stored in designated locations based on SKU, strain, or regulatory requirements. WMS software orchestrates putaway and replenishment, sometimes using sophisticated Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) to improve real‑time orchestration of staff and equipment.
Order Management & Picking
When orders arrive—typically via B2B e-commerce portals or marketplaces—distributors rely on ERP/WMS tools to create pick-slips or wave-batched tasks. Pick strategies vary (piece, zone, wave), depending on warehouse design and order volume. Distributors often use mobile scanners to capture package data, ensure accuracy, and prevent cross-contamination. Tools like IndicaOnline’s Distro app automate manifest integration, order splitting, and child‑tag assignment for Metrc transfers.
Quality Control & Packaging
Before packing, distributors verify each package’s Certificate of Analysis (COA), seal integrity, and proper labeling. Quality checks—conducted at scale—are documented within the system. Proper packaging (tamper‑evident, child‑resistant, compliant with weight and labeling laws) is critical for retail readiness.
Manifest Generation & Compliance
Distributors generate state‑mandated manifests, COAs, packing slips, and compliance forms directly from ERP tools. These systems maintain full audit trails of inventory flows—facilitating reporting and regulatory inspections.
Shipping & Route Optimization
Once orders are packed, TMS modules or third‑party logistic apps optimize delivery routes and manage GPS tracking. Secure vehicles, sealed manifests, and driver credentials are required. Real‑time monitoring flags any unauthorized stops or deviations. Edibles or concentrates may require cold‑chain transport, adding further complexity.
Returns & Reconciliation
Distributors handle returns, transfers, and product recalls via system-enabled workflows. Returned packages are scanned back in, audited, and either quarantined, resold (if compliant), or destroyed. Systems log all actions to preserve auditability and regulatory compliance.
Analytics & Continuous Improvement
Data from warehouse and fulfillment operations feed analytics dashboards that track metrics like order accuracy, inventory turnover, perfect order rate, and compliance incidents. Distributors adjust staffing, warehouse layout, pick strategies, and routing based on insights.