NYS Cannabis sativa L. Production Manual
Daniela Vergara, Emerging Crops Specialist
Harvest New York
The New York State Cannabis sativa L. Production Manual is intended to provide current data and findings about sustainable hemp cultivation to growers and members of the Cannabis industry to achieve a high-quality, profitable, and compliant yield. Cannabis sativa yields are used for the development of hemp-based cannabinoid products, fiber, grain, and medicine. As research and knowledge about hemp and, in general, the C. sativa plant increases, this manual will be updated to include new information. The perspectives of the manual authors are largely, but not exclusively, directed to the industry in New York State.
The manual also includes information about the regulatory environment around hemp in New York and the United States, a description of C. sativa cultivation, information about testing and grading, as well as tips on how to produce a crop that meets international environmental and labor standards. Our objective is to help growers maximize yield, quality, profitability, and product integrity while maintaining compliance.
Funding provided by
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Harvest NY
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
NYS Office of Cannabis Management
Towards Sustainability Foundation
Lead author
Daniela Vergara, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Harvest NY
Co-authors
Savanna Shelnutt, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell
Heather Grab, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell
Andrew Demetri, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell
Spencer Rice, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell
Anthony Barraco III, USDA
Editorial review and publication design
Angela Ochterski, Cornell Cooperative Extension
We acknowledge the contributions to this publication made by Nicholas Kaczmar, Main Street Farms, Tap Root Fields, Wheat Field Gardens, Schwazze, Ananda Farms, Nuponix, Jennifer Bailey and Miranda Kinney from Pyxus, Erica Hernandez, Adirondack Hemp, SAF Produce, Hemp Farms of New York, Russel Patten, Kadie Britt, Nicole Gauthier, Anya Osatuke, Akio Lloyd, Vince Dyer, Anna-Liisa Fabritius, and AL&L Crop Solutions.
Additional contributions were made by over 20 Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, USDA, Alabama A&M University, and industry experts.
NYS Cannabis sativa L. Production Manual, 2023 (pdf; 81164KB)
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Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop Series
April 23, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Brooklyn, NY
Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and the team at The Opportunity Hub for a hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introducing Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. Designed to equip forestry practitioners, educators, and community leaders with the skills to replicate this model. This session will cover APRB design, recommended urban tree species, installation techniques, and basic troubleshooting. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of APRBs as a tool for growing a diverse range of urban tree species but will also gain the knowledge and confidence to teach others how to build and manage them. Air-Pruned Raised Beds 101
April 24, 2026
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Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and NYRP's Parks & Urban Agriculture teams for an introduction to Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. APRBs have been shown as an excellent method for growing a suite of urban tree species and hold great promise as a tool for forestry practitioners in NYC. This workshop will explore the in's and outs, including design, appropriate tree species, and basic troubleshooting (i.e. weeding). Participants will also get to help build and plant out two APRBs at NYRP's field facility.Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop
April 25, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Community Garden Leadership Program - Application Open Now!
The Cornell Community Garden Leadership Program is a year-long online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. The program equips community gardeners with management best practices and operational skills to improve garden sustainability. The program also connects gardeners to regional resources, professional development opportunities, and a statewide community garden leadership network.Register for a virtual information session to learn more about the program and discover if this program is the right fit for you. Each information session is typically 45min-1hr.
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Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be available from the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2026 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.