Study Finds Over a Quarter of New Jersey Pre-Rolls Failed State Microbial Limits

A recent investigation into New Jersey’s cannabis market has raised serious concerns about product safety. A secret shopper program conducted by Safe Leaf Society found that more than a quarter of pre-rolled cannabis products exceeded the state’s microbial limits. The findings add to a growing conversation about regulatory oversight and consumer protection in the industry.

More Than a Quarter of Pre-Rolls Tested Failed Safety Standards

Safe Leaf Society, a New Jersey-based organization, tested 25 cannabis pre-rolls purchased through a secret shopper program. The results were troubling: seven of the 25 products—28%—exceeded the microbial limits set by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. The failures were not isolated to a single source but instead came from five separate cultivation licenses, suggesting broader issues in compliance and quality control.

This study highlights a key concern for both consumers and regulators: consistency in testing and enforcement. The state has strict guidelines in place, but the results suggest that some products reaching the market are not meeting these standards. While the full details of which specific microbial contaminants were found were not disclosed, failing these tests could mean exposure to harmful bacteria, fungi, or mold.

THC Potency Claims Were Wildly Inaccurate

Beyond microbial contamination, the study also found that cannabis potency levels were often inconsistent with what was advertised. Safe Leaf Society tested eight pre-rolls for THC levels, revealing major discrepancies between the labels and the actual contents.

One striking example found a pre-roll labeled at 26.28% THC but testing at just 13.27%—a nearly 50% discrepancy. Other pre-rolls tested had THC content differences ranging from 17.13% to 42.61% from the values printed on the packaging. This raises concerns about transparency and reliability in product labeling, as potency is a key factor for many consumers when purchasing cannabis.

Industry Response and Regulatory Implications

Following the release of the study, Safe Leaf Society co-founders Andrea Raible and Michael Boone issued a statement emphasizing that their goal is not to stir controversy but to foster industry accountability.

• “We are not conducting these tests to create controversy,” the statement read. “Our goal is to work with consumers, industry leaders, and regulators to make sure that we prioritize safety and integrity.” *

New Jersey regulators have not yet commented on the findings, but the study is likely to put pressure on the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to review compliance enforcement. If testing inconsistencies persist, regulators may need to increase random batch testing or implement stricter oversight to ensure products meet safety and potency requirements.

What This Means for Consumers and Businesses

For consumers, these findings serve as a warning. Many cannabis users rely on labeled THC percentages to determine potency, and discrepancies as large as those found in this study could lead to dissatisfaction—or worse, unintended effects from products that are either too weak or too strong compared to expectations. Additionally, microbial contamination poses a potential health risk, particularly for those with weakened immune systems.

For businesses, the report could lead to heightened scrutiny from both regulators and consumers. Dispensaries and producers may feel pressure to implement better internal testing measures to verify their products before they reach the market.

With New Jersey’s legal cannabis industry still relatively new, growing pains like these are perhaps expected. However, as the market matures, addressing these inconsistencies will be crucial in maintaining consumer trust and ensuring long-term success for legal operators. If studies like Safe Leaf Society’s continue to reveal gaps in quality control, calls for tighter regulations will only get louder.