NYS Cannabis sativa L. Production Manual

Daniela Vergara, Emerging Crops Specialist
Harvest New York

February 14, 2023
NYS Cannabis sativa L. Production Manual

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)


view calendar of events

Upcoming Events

2025 Agroforestry Field Day Series -- Tour of Agroforestry and Silvopasture Systems

September 4, 2025
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Goshen, NY

Interested in incorporating agroforestry practices into your farm? Join us for a series of workshops co-hosted by CCE Ulster, Orange, and Harvest NY with Mastwood Farms, Black Creek Farm and Nursery and Scenic Hudson. 

On this evening, join project director Alix Daguin and other staff at All One One All Farm in Goshen, NY for a two hour walk-and-talk tour to learn about the agroforestry systems they have planted at their regenerative farm which integrates livestock and tree crops. Successes, challenges, as well as systems of implementation and management will be covered.

2025 Cornell High-Cannabinoid Hemp Cannabis sativa Field Day

Event Offers DEC Credits

September 10, 2025
8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Geneva, NY

Join us for a full day of learning and discussion, connecting and having fun! The Cornell Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp) Field Day features interactive workshops, demonstrations, and panel discussions on the latest industry advancements for New York growers and other stakeholders. Topics include:
  • controlled environment agriculture
  • soil health and composting
  • disease management and tissue culture
  • genetics of color and minor cannabinoids
  • post-harvest, drying, and curing
  • NYS Office of Cannabis Management updates and fireside chat

Cultivating Climate Resilience of Urban Agriculture in New York City

September 24, 2025
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
New York, NY

A Panel Presentation and Hands-on Soil Health Demo!

Join the New York Climate Exchange and Cornell Cooperative Extension's Ag Climate Resiliency Program, New York Soil Health, and Harvest NY for a Soil Health Field Day in Governor's Island. This event focuses on best practices for building climate resilience on urban farms and is part of the 2025 Soil Health and Climate Resilience Field Days. It will offer a farm tour, as well as valuable insights and hands-on demonstrations to enhance soil health through biochar applications.

Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just getting started, this event is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the basics of climate resilience, adaptation planning, and soil health-- hearing directly from urban farmers in New York City. 

Announcements

New Produce Auctions in NYS!

With the opening of the new Augusta Produce Auction on August 19th, New York State now has 11 produce auctions! See the new map of produce auction locations across the state and contact information.

New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with dozens of urban farms across New York State to demonstrate and evaluate sustainable pest management strategies. Together with farmers, we found success using control methods that prevent or reduce crop losses through exclusion strategies, crop timing, host resistance, the introduction of beneficial organisms, and more. Regardless of management strategy used, common requirements for success include a knowledge of the pest and disease complex, preventative deployment and commitment to the process. The New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series includes case studies highlighting pest management techniques that New York urban farms have found valuable.