Vincent Phung, 45, from Brandon Street, London, denied three charges of conspiracy to produce cannabis at Preston Crown Court.
The court heard Phung left remnants of a cannabis farm at a property at Tearnside Hall, in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria. Other charges related to premises in the North East between 2009 and 2011.
Judge Simon Newell told Phung that he had played a middle-ranking organisational role in the conspiracy, arranging the lease of premises, car insurance and the provision of cars.