The Hemp Misconception
Let's address this directly: hemp seeds contain no THC. They are derived from the Cannabis sativa plant but from hemp varieties grown specifically for seed production, not psychoactive use. The legal limit in the US is 0.3% THC in hemp products; the seeds themselves test at effectively zero.
With that out of the way: hemp seeds are one of the most nutritionally complete plant foods on the planet.
Why Hemp Works With Bison
Bison protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—which are the primary drivers of muscle protein synthesis. Where bison is relatively lower is in lysine and tryptophan, two essential amino acids that plant sources tend to provide in higher quantities.
Hemp seeds fill that gap.
A 3-tablespoon serving of hulled hemp seeds provides:
- 10g of plant-based protein
- High lysine content relative to most seeds
- 3g of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA)
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a rare omega-6 with anti-inflammatory properties
- Complete protein (all nine essential amino acids present)
Combined with bison, the result is a bar with an amino acid profile that rivals expensive whey isolates—without the dairy, without the processing, without the synthetic flavor systems that most protein powders require to be palatable.
The Texture Contribution
Hemp seeds also contribute texture. Their natural oil content (around 30% fat by weight) integrates with the tallow matrix to create a slightly yielding bite that prevents the bar from being too firm or too chalky.
This was a happy accident during formulation. Dr. Park added hemp seeds to increase the protein density, and the texture improved as a side effect.
Sourcing Our Hemp
Our hemp seeds are sourced from a certified organic supplier in Manitoba, Canada—one of the leading hemp-growing regions in the world because of favorable growing conditions and decades of established farming infrastructure.
Every lot is third-party tested for heavy metals and pesticide residues before it enters our production facility.
The Bottom Line
Hemp and bison together create a protein stack that is:
- Complete (all essential amino acids)
- Bioavailable (animal protein + seed protein have different but complementary absorption kinetics)
- Clean (no isolates, no concentrates, no synthetic amino acid additives)
- Anti-inflammatory (the omega-3 content from both sources is meaningful)
That's why we chose them. Not because it's a trend. Because it works.