Hop latent viroid (HLVd) is a plant pathogen that currently poses a major threat to producers of high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis plants. There have been no previously published studies to gain insight into how the viroid can spread, the impact of sanitizing chemicals on viroid survival (based on the integrity of the RNA molecule that is detectable by RT-PCR amplification), and other aspects of its biology on cannabis plants. In this research, the distribution of HLVd in affected plants and in growing facilities was determined. The pathogen was detected in asymptomatic stock (mother) plants, in vegetatively propagated cuttings derived from them, and in emerging roots from cuttings. Transmission of the viroid through injured stem tissues and plant-to-plant spread from roots growing in hydroponic cultivation systems was demonstrated. HLVd was detected in recirculated nutrient solution and in nutrient tank reservoirs, as well as in pooled water on the surfaces of propagation tables and irrigation tubes, nozzles and buckets. The pathogen was also detected within inflorescence tissues and was present within trichome glands on bract tissues. Trichome development was significantly reduced by HLVd infection. HLVd was detected in commercially dried cannabis flowers and in crude resinous oil extracts derived from these tissues. Anthers and pollen from infected male plants and seeds from infected female plants contained HLVd, giving rise to infected seedlings. The integrity of the RNA molecule following various treatments was used to assess longevity using RT-PCR. Infected root segments and leaf tissues exposed to temperatures of 70-90o C for 30 min or direct UV-C irradiation for 3-5 min had detectable HLVd by RT-PCR. Among various chemical treatments applied to crushed leaf extracts for 1 min, 5-10% bleach (containing 0.825% NaOCl), 1,000 ppm hypochlorous acid and 20% skim milk powder degraded the RNA. This efficacy was reduced at higher viroid titres in leaf extracts and at lower chemical concentrations. HLVd is an infectious pathogen that is extremely resilient to degradation by chemicals and to environmental extremes. The results from this study provide avenues to develop control measures for this destructive pathogen.