Cannabis Testing Guidelines and How to Read a Certificate of Analysis
Cannabis testing is the backbone of consumer safety and product transparency. The NJ-CRC has taken a significant step in refining cannabis testing standards to ensure maximum precision, better product safety, and greater transparency. After rigorous research and collaboration with industry experts and regulatory bodies, the Commission approved new testing guidelines in its February 2025 meeting.
The new testing guidance includes several key updates: smaller batch or lot sizes, increased specificity for various cannabis product categories, and expanded cannabinoid testing. Here’s what you need to know about the new testing guidelines and how you can access test results so you can make informed decisions about your cannabis products.
What's Changing in Cannabis Testing?
Smaller batch sizes for testing - the maximum batch size for usable cannabis has been reduced from 100 pounds to 33.07 pounds to improve testing precision.
Defined lot sizes for different product types - Testing requirements now account for the unique characteristics of concentrates, vapes, edibles, topicals, and other cannabis products.
Expanded contaminant testing - Products must now undergo more rigorous testing for pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, mycotoxins, and foreign matter.
Stronger safeguards against lab shopping - Cannabis businesses must use the same lab and testing methods for both initial and retention sample testing unless they receive Commission approval to change.
More detailed cannabinoid testing - In addition to THC and CBD, labels must now include THCA, CBDA, CBG, CBGA, and CBN, providing consumers with a fuller cannabinoid profile.
What is a Certificate of Analysis (CoA)?
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a lab test report that provides information on the safety, quality, and potency of a cannabis product. The NJ-CRC requires that all cannabis products undergo testing by a licensed third-party testing laboratory before being sold to consumers.
If you buy cannabis from a licensed dispensary in New Jersey, you can access a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each product, providing insights into what you are consuming. The information on the Certificates of Analysis comes directly from the state-licensed cannabis labs that implement the NJ-CRC testing guidelines.
Why cannabis testing matters?
Cannabis testing ensures that products are safe, free of harmful contaminants, and accurately labeled. It helps identify the presence of pesticides, mold, heavy metals, residual solvents, or other substances that could pose health risks. Testing also verifies the potency of THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes -- allowing consumers to make informed decisions based on desired effects. Without proper testing, there's no way to confirm a product meets New Jersey's safety standards, or if it’s safe for consumption at all. Ultimately, product testing protects public health, promotes transparency, and preserves trust in the legal cannabis market.
Where can I get a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for a cannabis product?
All dispensaries are required to provide a CoA of products they sell. Consumers may request a CoA for any product a dispensary carries. Information about how to get a CoA is sometimes on product packaging.
Key Sections of a COA
1.Product & Sample Information
The product information includes the specific strain or product name, such as "Blue Dreamcicle Flower" or "Lemon Zesty Kush Vape Cartridge," along with a unique batch or lot number that allows for traceability. It also specifies the sampling date when the product was collected for testing and identifies the laboratory that performed the analysis, including its name and license number from the NJ-CRC
2.Cannabinoid Profile
This section outlines the concentration of cannabinoids, highlighting THC and THCA as the primary psychoactive compounds, while CBD and CBDA are noted for their non-psychoactive and potentially therapeutic effects. Additionally, it must include other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC, and CBN, which play a role in the entourage effect.
Why it matters: Potency levels determine the product’s strength and effects – important to know to make safe-use decisions
3.Terpene Profile (Optional, but important for aroma & effects)
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that influence the smell, taste, and effects of cannabis. Key terpenes include myrcene, which some users say promotes relaxation; limonene, with its uplifting citrus scent; pinene, which some users’ states enhances alertness, and caryophyllene, a spicy-scented terpene that may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Why it matters: Helps consumers choose products based on potential effects beyond just THC and other cannabinoid levels.
4.Contaminant Testing (Safety & Compliance)
This section ensures the product meets NJ-CRC safety standards by testing harmful substances.
The safety of consumable products is ensured through rigorous testing for contaminants. Microbial threats like E. Coli and Salmonella must show a "PASS" status to confirm safety. Heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, are checked against NJ-CRC limits, also requiring a "PASS." Pesticides must not have illegal residues and extracts and vapes are tested for residual solvents like butane and ethanol, all needing a "PASS" for compliance.
Why it matters: Protects consumers from harmful contamination in cannabis products.