This article explains Metrc (New Jersey) Support Bulletin NJ_IB_0061 on Stability Studies, including what stability timepoints mean, which tests are required, and how New Jersey operators should create stability study packages and test samples in Metrc for ongoing compliance.
Bulletin overview (NJ_IB_0061)
Bulletin number: NJ_IB_0061
Distribution date: 08/05/2026
Effective date: Ongoing
Subject: Stability Studies
Published by: Metrc Support, in conjunction with the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC)
What “stability studies” mean in New Jersey Metrc
Stability Studies are scheduled lab tests performed at defined intervals to evaluate how a product’s potency and contaminant profile change over time. The purpose is to validate that a batch remains safe, consistent, and effective throughout its intended shelf life.
Per the bulletin, Stability Study data must be recorded in Metrc. Operationally, that means licensees should plan inventory and testing workflows so stability samples can be pulled and submitted at the correct timepoints without disrupting production, fulfillment, or retail supply.
Key compliance rule: full panel testing first
Before starting any Stability Study timepoints, the product must pass the appropriate initial full panel compliance testing for its item category. This initial compliance test establishes the benchmark that later stability results will be compared against.
Example from the bulletin: For a Vape Cart item category, the product should first be tested using the Inhalable/Vape Concentrate full panel lab test batch. Only after that initial compliance test should later stability timepoints be submitted using the relevant Stability Study lab test batch.
Stability Study timepoints and what they do in Metrc
Metrc records stability testing at standardized timepoints. Each timepoint corresponds to a stability interval and is submitted as a specific Stability Study test selection in Metrc.
T0: 3-month stability check (information only; not a regulatory requirement)
T1: 6-month stability check (required)
T2: 9-month stability check (information only; not a regulatory requirement)
T3: 12-month stability check (required)
In day-to-day operations, the practical takeaway is that T1 and T3 drive required stability compliance activity, while T0 and T2 can be used for internal quality monitoring without updating the source package’s lab test status as required tests do.
How stability studies work in Metrc: the two-package approach
The bulletin’s workflow is built around creating one dedicated Stability Study package (a “source” set-aside package) and then pulling individual test samples from that package at each timepoint. This reduces the chance of pulling from the wrong inventory later and makes it easier to manage planned sampling across a 12-month period.
Create a Stability Study package in Metrc (set aside enough for 12 months)
The Stability Study package should contain the total quantity needed for all planned stability samples (T0, T1, T2, and T3) over the next year.
Step 1: In Metrc, go to Packages and open the Active tab.
Step 2: Locate and select the source batch package with enough quantity to cover all stability samples planned over the next 12 months.
Step 3: Select New Packages.
Step 4: Complete the required fields in the New Packages window.
Same Item setting: Select Same Item to indicate the Stability Study package uses the same item as the source package.
Step 5: Select Create Packages to generate the Stability Study package that will be used as the long-term sampling source.
Operational implication: once created, treat this package as reserved stability inventory. Doing so prevents accidental depletion, simplifies audits, and keeps sampling consistent across timepoints.
Create a Stability Study test sample in Metrc (submit at each timepoint)
At each scheduled timepoint (or when required), you will submit a sample for stability testing from the Stability Study source package.
Step 1: In Metrc, go to Packages and open the Active tab.
Step 2: Find and select the Stability Study source package, then choose Submit for Testing.
Step 3: Complete all required fields in the Submit for Testing window.
Same Item setting: Select Same Item to ensure the test sample uses the same item as the source package.
Choose the correct Stability Study test: Select the appropriate Stability Study timepoint (typically T1 or T3 for required submissions).
Metrc status note: T0 and T2 are designated as Information Only and do not update the lab test status of the source package; T1 and T3 are the required Stability Studies.
Step 4: Select Submit for Testing to create the test sample package to be transferred to the testing facility.
Day-to-day operational impacts for NJ licensees
Inventory planning: Set aside enough product in the Stability Study package to avoid shortages at T1 and T3. If the reserved package is accidentally sold, remediated, or otherwise altered, it can disrupt the stability schedule and complicate documentation.
Item and test alignment: Use the correct test type for the item category on the initial full panel, then use the corresponding Stability Study test selections for timepoints. Misalignment (wrong test selection) can create compliance risk and rework.
Audit readiness: Because the bulletin emphasizes that Stability Study data must be recorded in Metrc, maintaining a clean package lineage (source stability package → submitted test sample packages) supports defensible records during NJ-CRC or internal audits.
Quality and shelf-life decisions: Even when not required, information-only timepoints (T0, T2) can provide valuable trend data to support internal shelf-life validation, packaging decisions, and customer complaint investigations.
Labeling and traceability considerations (including Metrc Retail ID)
Stability study workflows increase the number of packages and test samples a team must label and track accurately. To reduce label errors and improve consistency, DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels, and it can help teams stay aligned with Metrc Retail ID compliance where applicable to downstream labeling workflows.
For larger New Jersey operations that need deeper inventory controls across cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail workflows, DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed to support end-to-end supply chain management alongside compliance processes.
Metrc support resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support Portal: https://support.metrc.com
Metrc Support phone: 877-566-6506
Support hours (ET): Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday voicemail or portal only
Metrc Learn: Available via the Support drop-down in Metrc for on-demand training content
Metrc Expert: Accessible in-system via the help/widget icon for knowledge base articles and guided help
Metrc state resources: Visit https://www.metrc.com and navigate to your state partner page for state-specific training links and updates
