Associations between cannabinoids and growth stages of twelve industrial hemp cultivars grown outdoors in Atlantic Canada

•Cannabinoids are generally extracted from mature hemp (Cannabis sativa) plants.•The cannabinoid content of twelve hemp cultivars was documented in Atlantic Canada.•Cannabinoids were at maximum abundance at different stages of hemp development.•Cannabinoid production differed between grain and dual-purpose cultivars.•This suggests the possibility of an early harvest that would reduce chemical inputs.