Metrc (New Jersey) bulletin NJ_IB_0057 announces an update to how licensees submit test samples: starting 05/26/2026, the “Lab Test Batch” options shown during “Submit for Testing” will be limited to the options that match the item category of the source package. This article explains what is changing, how it affects day-to-day testing workflows, and what required testing panels apply by product type in New Jersey.
Bulletin overview: what is changing on 05/26/2026
Bulletin: NJ_IB_0057
Distribution date: 05/05/2026
Effective date: 05/26/2026
Change summary: When creating a test sample in Metrc, the system will only display Lab Test Batches that correlate to the item category of the package being sampled.
What stays available across categories: All item categories will continue to have Retest options and R&D Testing Lab Test Batches available.
How the new “Lab Test Batch” filtering works in Metrc
Beginning 05/26/2026, Metrc will filter the “Required Testing” selection list during the “Submit for Testing” workflow. After you enter the item name (or select the “Same Item” option), Metrc will populate only the Lab Test Batch options that match that item category.
Practically, this means your sampling workflow becomes more dependent on accurate item setup and package context. If the item category is wrong (or the wrong package is selected), the correct required testing panel may not appear, increasing the risk of selecting an incorrect test batch or delaying submission to the lab.
Operational impact for New Jersey operators
Fewer incorrect test submissions: Filtering reduces the chance a licensee selects a testing panel that doesn’t apply to the product type (for example, edible-focused microbials versus inhalable-focused residual solvent requirements).
More importance on item category accuracy: Because the available Lab Test Batches depend on item category, operators should expect more workflow friction if items are miscategorized (especially for infused products versus concentrates).
Smoother lab handoffs: When the correct batch is selected at submission, labs receive clearer intent for required testing, which can reduce administrative follow-up and resubmissions.
Notes on R&D Testing and Stability Studies in New Jersey
R&D Testing selection: R&D Testing is organized by testing group (for example, Metals, Pesticides, Solvents). A licensee may select any and all R&D Lab Test Batches that apply when creating a test sample.
Stability Studies: Stability Study testing options are available to select at any time. For New Jersey Stability Study details and how to select the appropriate options in Metrc, use Metrc Expert within the Metrc application.
New Jersey required testing by Metrc item category
The sections below translate the bulletin’s item category chart into plain language so teams can quickly map their Metrc product category to the required testing panel(s). Each section also reflects the bulletin’s structure: “Production Stage/Product,” “Product Category in Metrc,” and the “Lab Test Batch & Required Testing” panel.
Raw Plant Material (flower, trim, pre-roll inputs)
Metrc product categories: Raw Plant Material; Bud/Flower-Bulk; Bud/Flower-Packaged; Raw Pre-Rolls; Raw Pre-Rolls (each); Shake/Trim; Shake/Trim (by strain)
Lab Test Batch: Raw Plant Material
Required testing includes: Foreign Matter; Metals; Moisture Content; Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency-Cannabinoid Profile; Terpenes; Water Activity
Microbials: E. coli; Salmonella spp.; Total Aerobic Microbial Count; Total Yeast and Mold Count
Fresh Frozen (flower or trim intended for processing)
Metrc product categories: Fresh Frozen; Bud/Flower-Bulk; Shake/Trim; Shake/Trim (by strain)
Lab Test Batch: Fresh Frozen
Required testing includes: Foreign Matter; Metals; Moisture Content; Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency-Cannabinoid Profile; Terpenes
Microbials: E. coli; Salmonella spp.; Total Aerobic Microbial Count; Total Yeast and Mold Count
Non-Solvent Based Concentrates
Metrc product categories: Non-Solvent Based Concentrate; Concentrate (each); Concentrate (Weight)
Lab Test Batch: Non-Solvent Based Concentrates
Required testing includes: Foreign Matter; Metals; Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency-Cannabinoid Profile; Terpenes; Residual Solvents
Microbials: E. coli; Salmonella spp.; Total Aerobic Microbial Count; Total Yeast and Mold Count
Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract
Metrc product categories: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract; Concentrate (each); Concentrate (Weight)
Lab Test Batch: Solvent Based Concentrate/Extract
Required testing includes: Foreign Matter; Metals; Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency-Cannabinoid Profile; Terpenes; Residual Solvents
Microbials: E. coli; Salmonella spp.; Total Aerobic Microbial Count; Total Yeast and Mold Count
Inhalable/Vape Concentrate (including vape carts and certain infused products)
Metrc product categories: Inhalable/Vape Concentrate; Concentrate (each); Vape Carts (includes infused flower and infused pre-rolls)
Lab Test Batch: Inhalable/Vape Concentrate
Required testing includes: Foreign Matter; Metals; Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency-Cannabinoid Profile; Terpenes; Residual Solvents; Vitamin E Acetate
Microbials: E. coli; Salmonella spp.; Total Aerobic Microbial Count; Total Yeast and Mold Count
Infused Edible (solid edibles)
Metrc product categories: Infused Edible; Edibles
Lab Test Batch: Infused Edible
Required testing includes: Foreign Matter; Metals; Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency-Cannabinoid Profile; Water Activity
Microbials: L. monocytogenes; Salmonella spp.; STEC; Total Coliforms
Infused Liquid Edible (beverages and other liquid ingestibles)
Metrc product categories: Infused Liquid Edibles; Infused Liquid Edible
Lab Test Batch: Infused Liquid Edible
Required testing includes: Foreign Matter; Metals; Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency-Cannabinoid Profile
Microbials: L. monocytogenes; Salmonella spp.; STEC; Total Coliforms
Infused Non-Edible (topicals, tinctures, and similar)
Metrc product categories: Infused Non-Edible; Capsules/Pills for Oral Administration; Lotions/Cream; Tinctures; Transdermal Patches
Lab Test Batch: Infused Non-Edible
Required testing includes: Foreign Matter; Metals; Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency-Cannabinoid Profile; Terpenes; Residual Solvents
Microbials: E. coli; Salmonella spp.; Total Aerobic Microbial Count; Total Yeast and Mold Count
Day-to-day compliance tips to avoid testing delays
Confirm item category before sampling: Because Metrc will now filter Lab Test Batches by item category, categorization errors can prevent the correct required testing panel from appearing during submission.
Match the sample to the correct source package: If multiple packages have similar names or formats, selecting the wrong source package may produce the wrong testing options and create downstream lab or compliance issues.
Use Retest and R&D appropriately: Retest remains available for all item categories, and R&D selections may be combined by applicable testing group when creating test samples.
Labeling and Retail ID readiness: DistruLabels and DistruERP
Testing and labeling workflows often intersect: once a product passes required testing, operators typically move quickly into packaging and retail readiness, where accurate identifiers matter.
DistruLabels: DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant cannabis packaging and retail labels, helping teams stay consistent with Metrc Retail ID expectations and avoid last-minute relabeling as products move to sale.
DistruERP: For larger New Jersey operations that need end-to-end supply chain control beyond label creation, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform built to support inventory, manufacturing, distribution, and compliance workflows at scale.
Metrc support resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support: Submit and track a case in the Support Portal at https://support.metrc.com or call 877-566-6506.
Support hours: • Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. ET–10 p.m. ET
Support hours: • Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. ET
Support hours: • Sunday, voicemail or portal only
Portal access note: First-time portal access typically requires a username (created when logging in), the respective state, facility license number, and a valid email to set a password.
Metrc Learn: Metrc’s on-demand training platform provides interactive education on system functionality and workflow efficiency and is accessible directly or via the Support menu in Metrc.
Metrc Expert: Use the in-app knowledge base (widget icon in Metrc) for step-by-step guides, including test sample submission guidance and Stability Study context for New Jersey.
Metrc.com: Visit https://www.metrc.com to find your state partner page for additional training links and resources.
