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)
Upcoming Events
Urban Ag Food Safety Webinar
March 11, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Urban and small-scale producers are encouraged to join us for the Urban Ag Food Safety webinar, featuring speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell IPM. We will explore the 'why' behind food safety, providing a basic overview and diving into specific urban ag considerations including water, pest, rodent, and soil health challenges. We will touch on the regulation and marketing landscape, and share resources for learning more. Bring your questions!Companion Planting in the Garden -- With Mushrooms!
March 12, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Learn how to diversify your garden harvest with companion planting at this virtual workshop. Plan next spring's garden with guidance CCE Harvest NY Urban Agriculture Specialist Yolanda Gonzalez on growing three different types of mushrooms.2026 Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference
March 21, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Rochester, NY
Join us for our annual Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference, a day of learning and connections featuring interactive workshops, community knowledge sharing, Fruition's Gift of Seed Experience, horticulture tables and displays, and more!Announcements
Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications
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.
2025 Year in Review
2025 was another year of growth and accomplishment for CCE Harvest NY! Our 2025 Year in Review highlights our impacts and details our work.- Farm to School Local Procurement by the Numbers
- Biochar in the NYC Urban Agriculture Landscape
- Harvest New York Supports Farmer-Led Research Advancing Upland Rice Production in New York State
- Community Garden Soil Testing Program Yields Great Results
- Regional Roots: Culinary Training to Enhance School Meals with Local Foods
- Rooted in Learning: Strengthening Farm to School Connections Across New York
- South Lawn Farm Expands Fresh Food Access and Urban Farming Opportunities
- NYS Summit Advances the Mushroom Industry
- Research to Manage Pests in Blueberries with Less Sprays
- Building a Research and Extension Hub at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- A Successful Community Garden Leadership Program Pilot
- Farm to School Events Deliver Education, Culinary Training, and Business to Business Opportunities
- A Trusted Source of Science-Based Information for the Cannabis sativa Hemp Industry
- Sustainable Pest Management for New York Urban Farmers
- Cultivating Resilience: Harvest New York Drives the State's Climate Goals Through Research and Outreach
- Expanding Agritourism Outreach Across New York State
- Coordinating City Agencies, Academia, and Community Gardens to Improve Urban Soils
- USDA Urban Agriculture Training Development Complete