The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved new testing guidelines at its most recent public meeting.
Since June 2021, the Commission has been following Maryland’s testing standards.
The NJ-CRC said it developed its own testing guidelines which will now include:
- smaller batch or lot sizes
- additional specificity for various cannabis product categories
- expanded cannabinoid testing
Under the new guidelines, the test maximum batch size for usable cannabis has decreased from 100 pounds to 33.07 pounds. The Guidance now specifies maximum lot size for testing cannabis concentrates, vaporized formulations, ingestible, transmucosal and dermal cannabis-infused products, which matches sample sizes more precisely to product type.
In addition, the Guidance adopts basic safety testing protocols for unusable cannabis meant for manufacturing – this includes tests for foreign matter, pesticides, microbes, mycotoxins and heavy metals.
Cannabis businesses must use the same testing lab and methodology for both initial and retention sample testing unless there is a contract breach. Any requests for changes in laboratory, technology, or protocols must be submitted to the Commission for approval.
In addition to THC and CBD, the new labeling guidelines now mandate the inclusion of THCA, CBDA, CBG, CBGA, and CBN, providing a more comprehensive cannabinoid profile for consumers.
Testing laboratories have until March 19 to implement sampling changes and until
midnight on May 23 for initial and stability testing changes according to the
Commission’s testing guidance requirements.
“The new guidelines are the result of rigorous research and collaboration with industry experts and regulatory bodies,” NJ-CRC Acting Executive Director Christopher Riggs said. “By enhancing our testing protocols, we’re prioritizing consumer and patient safety, product consistency, and industry transparency.”
