Metrc (New Jersey) Support Bulletin NJ IB 0057 announces a testing workflow update effective 05/26/2026 that limits which Lab Test Batches appear during test sample creation based on the source package’s item category; this article explains what changes in Metrc, summarizes the updated required-testing chart by category, and outlines day-to-day operational impacts for NJ operators.
Bulletin summary (NJ IB 0057)
Bulletin number: NJ IB 0057
Distribution date: 05/05/2026
Effective date: 05/26/2026
What’s changing: When you create a test sample in Metrc, the Lab Test Batch options you can select will be limited to those that correlate to the item category of the source package you are sampling.
Key takeaway: Correct item categorization in Metrc is now even more important, because category drives which required-testing “batch” options you can select at the point of sample submission.
What Metrc is updating on 05/26/2026
Starting 05/26/2026, Metrc will filter the Lab Test Batches shown during the “Submit for Testing” workflow. Instead of seeing broad or unrelated batch options, you will only see the batches aligned to the sampled package’s item category (for example, an edible sample will only show edible-related Lab Test Batch options).
Metrc also notes that all item categories will continue to have Retest and R&D Testing Lab Test Batches available.
How this affects test sample creation in Metrc
When creating a test sample (via the Submit for Testing action), the “Required Testing” list will populate after you either enter the item name or select the “Same Item” option (depending on your workflow). With this update in place, the populated list will be restricted to the Lab Test Batches that match the package’s item category.
Practical implication: If a package was created under the wrong item category, staff may not be able to select the correct required-testing batch for that product type, which can delay sample submission and require internal corrections before the sample can be properly submitted.
R&D Testing and Stability Studies (what the bulletin clarifies)
R&D Testing: In New Jersey, R&D testing is organized by testing group (for example, Metals, Pesticides, Solvents). Licensees may select any applicable R&D Lab Test Batches when creating a test sample.
Stability Studies: Stability Study testing options can be selected at any time. For New Jersey stability study program questions and how to record them correctly in Metrc, the bulletin directs users to consult Metrc Expert guidance.
Updated Lab Test Batch mapping by item category (New Jersey)
The bulletin includes an updated chart that ties product types and Metrc item categories to the Lab Test Batch and the required testing panels. Below is the same information converted into plain-language category summaries for easier operational use.
Raw Plant Material (Metrc item categories)
Applies to: 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 shown: Raw Plant Material
Required testing shown in Metrc: Foreign Matter; Metals; Microbials (E. coli, Salmonella spp., Total Aerobic Microbial Count, Total Yeast and Mold Count); Moisture Content; Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency (Cannabinoid profile); Terpenes; Water Activity.
Fresh Frozen (Raw Plant Material workflow)
Applies to: Fresh Frozen packages sampled under the Fresh Frozen pathway.
Lab Test Batch shown: Fresh Frozen
Required testing shown in Metrc: Foreign Matter; Metals; Microbials (E. coli, Salmonella spp., Total Aerobic Microbial Count, Total Yeast and Mold Count); Moisture Content; Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency (Cannabinoid profile); Terpenes.
Concentrate/Extract (non-vape)
Metrc item category: Non-Solvent or Solvent Based Concentrates
Includes examples noted in the bulletin: Oil (not vape oil); Tinctures (infused non-edible category) that are tested as concentrates; Caviar; Distillate; Kief.
Lab Test Batch shown: Non-Solvent or Solvent Based Concentrates
Required testing shown in Metrc: Foreign Matter; Metals; Microbials (E. coli, Salmonella spp., Total Aerobic Microbial Count, Total Yeast and Mold Count); Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency (Cannabinoid profile); Terpenes; Residual Solvents.
Inhalable / Vape Concentrate
Metrc item category: Inhalable/Vape Concentrate
Includes examples noted in the bulletin: Moonrocks; Infused Pre-Rolls; Live Resin; Rosin; Hash; Shatter; Budder; Crumble; Wax.
Lab Test Batch shown: Inhalable/Vape Concentrate
Required testing shown in Metrc: Foreign Matter; Metals; Microbials (E. coli, Salmonella spp., Total Aerobic Microbial Count, Total Yeast and Mold Count); Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency (Cannabinoid Profile); Terpenes; Residual Solvents; Vitamin E Acetate.
Cannabis Infused Products: Infused Edible
Metrc item category: Infused Edible
Includes examples noted in the bulletin: Cookies, cakes, brownies; gummy products; chocolates; any other item that contains edible ingredients.
Lab Test Batch shown: Infused Edible
Required testing shown in Metrc: Foreign Matter; Metals; Mycotoxins; Microbials (L. monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., STEC, Total Coliforms); Potency (Cannabinoid Profile); Water Activity.
Cannabis Infused Products: Infused Liquid Edible
Metrc item category: Infused Liquid Edible
Includes examples noted in the bulletin: Beverages; condiments.
Lab Test Batch shown: Infused Liquid Edible
Required testing shown in Metrc: Foreign Matter; Metals; Mycotoxins; Microbials (L. monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., STEC, Total Coliforms); Potency (Cannabinoid Profile).
Cannabis Infused Products: Infused Non-Edible
Metrc item category: Infused Non-Edible
Includes examples noted in the bulletin: Lotions, topicals, suppositories; pain pills; salves/balms; pain patches; capsules; lozenges.
Lab Test Batch shown: Infused Non-Edible
Required testing shown in Metrc: Foreign Matter; Metals; Microbials (E. coli, Salmonella spp., Total Aerobic Microbial Count, Total Yeast and Mold Count); Mycotoxins; Pesticides; Potency (Cannabinoid Profile); Terpenes; Residual Solvents.
Day-to-day operational impacts for NJ cannabis operators
Fewer incorrect test submissions: Filtering Lab Test Batches by item category should reduce selection errors at the point of sample creation, especially for staff who submit a high volume of samples.
Higher importance of correct item setup: If your item category is wrong on the source package, Metrc may not present the correct required-testing batch, which can create delays, rework, or internal escalations to fix categorization before submission.
Lab coordination and turnaround: Because “what you can select” is constrained by category, aligning your internal product taxonomy (and how you package products in Metrc) with how your lab expects samples to be grouped becomes more important to avoid submission-day surprises.
R&D and Stability workflows: R&D batches remain selectable by testing group, and Stability Studies remain available to select at any time, so teams running R&D or shelf-life work should confirm they are choosing the correct non-required testing paths in Metrc.
Labeling and Retail ID compliance considerations
Although this bulletin focuses on testing, accurate item categorization and clean inventory records often go hand-in-hand with clean labeling and retail readiness. If your operation needs a simple way to generate compliant labels that support downstream inventory accuracy, DistruLabels is a 100% free tool for creating compliant packaging and retail labels and can help teams stay aligned with Metrc Retail ID compliance requirements.
For larger multi-department operations that need end-to-end supply chain visibility (from production through distribution and retail fulfillment), DistruERP is Distru’s comprehensive Cannabis ERP platform designed to support complete inventory, order, and operational management at scale.
Metrc support resources referenced in the bulletin
Metrc Support portal: Submit and track cases at Support.Metrc.com or call 877-566-6506.
Support availability: • Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. ET–10 p.m. ET
• Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. ET
• Sunday, voicemail or portal only
Metrc Learn: On-demand training for Metrc workflows, accessible directly or via the Support menu inside Metrc.
Metrc Expert: In-app knowledge base with step-by-step guidance (including test sample creation and NJ testing workflows).
Metrc state resources: Visit Metrc.com for state partner pages, training links, and additional references.
