Maintaining the quality and safety of cannabis products—from live flower to edibles and concentrates—requires meticulous cold‑chain logistics. In Ohio, licensed distribution companies implement rigorous protocols to preserve potency, prevent contamination, and comply with state regulations throughout storage and transportation.
Strict Temperature Control from Storage to Delivery
Ohio’s administrative rules mandate that any freezer or cold‑storage unit used to hold cannabis capable of microbial growth (like edibles, extracts, tinctures) must include devices to indicate or record internal temperature. These controls ensure finished goods are stored within specified thermal ranges to prevent mold, bacterial growth, and degradation.
During transit, transporters employ refrigerated vehicles or portable coolers with continuous temperature monitoring. Data loggers record throughout the journey, and deviations trigger alerts. If temperatures fall outside safe limits, protocols require resealing, discarding, or returning products—preserving safety and compliance.
Vehicle Requirements and Chain‑of‑Custody Documentation
Ohio law requires licensed distributors to use sealed, locked storage compartments in vehicles registered and insured in the state. Cannabis must be non‑visible from outside and accompanied by a physical or electronic transfer manifest detailing product IDs, origin, destination, and temperature logs. Transporters must visibly display their credentials, maintain supervision of cargo, and vary routes to reduce diversion risk.
This meticulous tracking—complemented by cold‑chain records—provides full traceability from processor to dispensary, aligning with Ohio’s seed‑to‑sale oversight under Metrc.
Regulatory Oversight and Facility Standards
The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) and Board of Pharmacy oversee licensed cannabis facilities and distribution. They require enclosed, secured delivery bays or secure pass‑through areas for loading/unloading—facilities must also meet strict standards for cleanliness, pest control, packaging, and equipment.
Warehousing areas must maintain stable cold‑chain environments, with HVAC systems or refrigeration units equipped with alarms, calibrated sensors, and backup power. Sanitation protocols prevent microbial or chemical contamination, and all surfaces in cold‑chain areas must be cleanable and non‑toxic.
Compliance via Metrc Tracking
Ohio uses the Metrc system to track every licensed cannabis plant and product through the supply chain. Distributors input batch numbers, timestamps, weights, recipient details, and route data into Metrc before transport. Temperature logs and cold‑chain integrity are audited during compliance checks and may be cross‑verified with DMV or courier records. Any deviation or loss must be reported promptly under state rules.
Best‑Practices & Industry Trends
Leading cannabis logistics providers also invest in:
- Software-enabled real-time monitoring via IoT sensors
- Randomized delivery schedules and GPS tracking to enhance security
- Specialized packaging—child-resistant, tamper-evident, opaque, and moisture-barrier lined
- Regular training for transport personnel on handling protocols and emergency procedures
These measures ensure product integrity, legal compliance, and patient safety.
Summary
- Temperature Control: Refrigeration units with alarms, sensors, and logs protect against spoilage
- Secure Transportation: Locked compartments, non-visible cargo, route variation, and manifests
- Compliance Systems: Use of Metrc for traceability and regulatory oversight
- Facility Standards: Clean, pest-controlled, temperature-stable warehouses
- Risk Management: Regular audits and inspection protocols
- Best Practices: Modern packaging, IoT technology, and well-trained staff ensure quality and consistency