NJ Cannabis Enforcement Update: Testing Lab Fined for Out-of-State Transport
in a significant move for industry accountability, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC)recently voted to take disciplinary action against licensed testing laboratory New Jersey Cannalytics. The enforcement action stems from a direct violation of state regulations regarding the handling and transport of cannabis samples.
The Violation: Crossing State Lines
During the Commission's public meeting on February 12, 2026, regulators revealed that New Jersey Cannalytics had transported cannabis samples from its licensed facility in New Jersey to an unlicensed location in Westminster, Maryland for testing.
Under the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMMA) Act, all cannabis products cultivated and sold within the Garden State must be tested by laboratories operating within New Jersey’s strictly regulated system. Moving product across state lines—even for the purpose of laboratory analysis—remains a violation of both state law and federal guidance.
Penalties and Compliance Requirements
To address the breach, the NJ-CRC board approved a structured settlement:
Monetary Fine: A $25,000 penalty was imposed on the laboratory.
License Suspension: The board issued a 14-day license suspension.
Corrective Action: The 14-day suspension is currently stayed (suspended) for six months on the condition that the lab’s owners and employees complete three mandatory METRC training sessions.
Why This Matters for the Industry
This enforcement action highlights the NJ-CRC’s intensifying focus on chain-of-custody protocols and the integrity of the state’s testing infrastructure. Acting Executive Director Christopher Riggs recently noted that the Commission is closely monitoring laboratory data for trends like "lab shopping" and potency inflation to ensure consumer safety and market transparency.
For operators and ancillary businesses, the message is clear: the NJ-CRC is actively exercising its oversight powers to ensure that the "Garden State" brand remains synonymous with safety and strict regulatory compliance.
