Independent Lab Testing Raises Safety Concerns Over New Jersey Cannabis Products

Newark, NJ — March 2025
Recent independent lab testing of adult-use cannabis products in New Jersey has revealed troubling levels of mold and bacteria, sparking growing concern over product safety, consumer health, and the adequacy of current quality control measures in the state’s legal cannabis industry.

The findings, first reported by Heady NJ, show that several legal cannabis products sold under the state’s adult-use program contained microbial contaminants that exceeded acceptable safety limits. These contaminants, particularly mold and certain types of bacteria, can pose health risks, especially to immunocompromised individuals or patients using cannabis for medical purposes.

What the Tests Found

The independent testing was not commissioned by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) but rather by advocates and watchdogs seeking more transparency and accountability in the regulated market. The tests showed:

• Elevated levels of mold spores, such as Aspergillus, which can cause lung infections.
• Presence of harmful bacteria, which could potentially lead to respiratory or gastrointestinal issues.
• Inconsistencies between labeled and actual THC content, raising concerns over labeling accuracy and consumer trust.

These findings highlight a potential gap between state-mandated testing and what consumers are actually receiving, calling into question the efficacy of New Jersey’s current cannabis testing protocols.

Why It Matters

Under New Jersey law, all cannabis products must undergo testing by state-licensed laboratories for contaminants, potency, and other quality indicators. However, the recent independent testing suggests that some products may be slipping through the cracks due to:

• Inconsistent testing standards between licensed labs.
• A lack of enforcement or re-testing requirements after contamination is found.
• Potential pressure on producers to push products to market quickly, especially in a highly competitive retail environment.

“The integrity of the entire legal cannabis industry depends on consumer trust,” said one industry advocate. “When people pay top dollar for legal cannabis, they should expect it to be clean, safe, and properly labeled.”

Response from Regulators and the Industry

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has yet to release an official statement regarding the recent findings, but advocates are calling for immediate action, including:

• Mandatory third-party testing audits for all licensed operators.
• More transparency from testing labs and CRC reporting.
• Stronger enforcement against repeated violations or non-compliance.

Some operators have also spoken out, supporting the need for more rigorous and standardized testing across the board to ensure consumer confidence.

Looking Ahead

As New Jersey’s cannabis industry continues to expand, ensuring product safety must remain a top priority. With more residents turning to cannabis for recreational and medical use, the state’s regulatory framework will need to evolve to protect public health and maintain trust in the legal marketplace.

For consumers, the best course of action remains staying informed, asking dispensaries about testing protocols, and reporting any suspected issues directly to the CRC.

Sources:

• Heady NJ. (2025). Independent Lab Testing Uncovers Mold, Bacteria in NJ Cannabis Products. headynj.com
• New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. https://www.nj.gov/cannabis