Cannabis Trim and Processing Operations Checklist

This cannabis trim and processing operations checklist ensures compliance with state cannabis processor license requirements, GMP sanitation standards for post-harvest handling, METRC trim weight recording obligations, and worker safety standards for repetitive motion trim work. Trim operations bridge cultivation and extraction or packaging, with strict inventory reconciliation requirements.

  • Industry: Cannabis
  • Frequency: Per Shift
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: Processing Supervisor / Post-Harvest Manager
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: State Cannabis Processor License Requirements, METRC Trim and Processing Batch Recording, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.141 Sanitation in Workplaces, OSHA Ergonomics Guidelines for Repetitive Motion Tasks, State Cannabis Worker Safety Training Requirements

Pre-Shift Setup

Setup and sanitation before trim begins.

  • All trimming equipment (machines, scissors, tables) sanitized before shift?
  • Workers wearing gloves, hairnets, and appropriate PPE?
  • No sick workers handling cannabis material?
  • Work area clean and free of debris from previous shift?
  • Batch IDs and METRC tags identified for all material to be processed?

Batch Tracking

Inventory reconciliation.

  • Starting weight of each batch recorded before trim begins?
  • Only one batch processed at a time — no mixing of batches?
  • Trim collected separately from flower by batch?
  • Ending flower weight and trim weight recorded after processing?
  • METRC processing batch updated with flower and trim weights?

Quality Control

Product quality during processing.

  • Visual inspection for mold, pests, or foreign material during trimming?
  • Any contaminated material immediately removed and quarantined?
  • No foreign material (scissors blades, glove pieces, debris) in finished product?
  • Trim quality meeting facility standards (no stems, seeds, harshness)?
  • Machine trimmer cleaned of resin buildup during extended shift?

Worker Safety

Ergonomics and safety.

  • Workstations at appropriate height to minimize shoulder and back strain?
  • Job rotation schedule in place for repetitive trimming tasks?
  • Micro-breaks (5 min per hour) provided for hand and arm recovery?
  • Anti-fatigue mats at all standing workstations?
  • Cut-resistant gloves available for workers handling scissors?

Waste Management

Cannabis waste handling.

  • All cannabis waste (stems, fan leaves, unusable material) weighed and logged?
  • Waste quantities entered in METRC before disposal?
  • Cannabis waste rendered unusable per state requirements before disposal?
  • Cannabis waste stored separately from non-cannabis waste pending disposal?
  • Cannabis waste disposal method and date documented?

Trim Shift Records

Shift documentation.

  • Trim production log completed with batch IDs, weights, and worker count?
  • Equipment cleaning log signed at start and end of shift?
  • Any safety incidents or quality deviations logged and reported?
  • METRC inventory reconciled at end of shift with physical counts?
  • Trim Shift Notes

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Why Use This Cannabis Trim and Processing Operations Checklist?

This cannabis trim and processing operations checklist helps cannabis teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for processing supervisor / post-harvest manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift.

Ensures compliance with State Cannabis Processor License Requirements, METRC Trim and Processing Batch Recording, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.141 Sanitation in Workplaces, OSHA Ergonomics Guidelines for Repetitive Motion Tasks, State Cannabis Worker Safety Training Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Cannabis Trim and Processing Operations Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Pre-Shift Setup, Batch Tracking, Quality Control, Worker Safety, Waste Management, Trim Shift Records. It is designed for cannabis operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per shift. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this Cannabis Trim and Processing Operations Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Processing Supervisor / Post-Harvest Manager professionals in the cannabis industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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