Brewing with Cannabis Seeds: A New Frontier in Beer

Craft beer and cannabis have long shared aromatic and botanical roots. Now, brewers are taking it further—experimenting with cannabis seeds and hemp-derived compounds to innovate flavor, aroma, and possibly even nutritional profiles. Here’s a deep dive into the latest developments.

1. Scientific Backing: Hemp Seeds Elevate Nutritional Value

A recent study in the journal Molecules (August 2025) has spotlighted the role of hemp seeds in enhancing the nutritional profile of beer:

  • Researchers tested beers brewed using up to 30% hemp seeds (malted and unmalted), compared to a control of 10% malted seeds.
  • The result? Beer wort enriched with polyphenols (notably trans-ferulic and gallic acids), vitamin B₂ (riboflavin), proteins, and fermentable sugars—all without compromising brewing performance. READ MORE HERE: Marijuana Moment
  • Hemp seeds are naturally rich in unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants. Though they contain minimal cannabinoids naturally, any detected levels often result from resin contamination during harvest.
  • Malted seeds boosted riboflavin content—a plus for yeast metabolism and overall wort nutrition. The study suggests these “hemp-enriched functional beers” could offer health-related benefits, though further fermentation and sensory testing are needed.

2. Craft Brewers & Hemp: Flavor Innovation

A. Cannabis-Derived Terpenes—Not THC or CBD
  • In San Diego, brewers are tapping cannabis-derived terpenes to elevate aroma and flavor profiles, without adding THC or CBD.
    • Belching Beaver Brewery’s Tropical Terps IPA showcases fruity tropical notes blended with cannabis-like aroma. READ MORE HERE: San Diego Beer News®
  • Historically, breweries like Wingman Brewers, Boundary Bay, and Trap Door in Washington developed Mighty HighPA, a legal “marijuana beer” brewed with extracted terpenes (no THC/CBD), delivering pungent blue-dream-inspired aromas. MORE ABOUT HERE: The Washington Beer Blog
B. Hemp Seeds, Hemp Hearts & Alternative Flavoring
  • Hemp beer—infused with hemp seeds, leaf, or oil—is not new. German “Hanfbier” used hemp for aroma, though rarely psychoactive. MORE ABOUT HERE: Wikipedia
  • Some craft breweries use hemp hearts in brewing, aiming for nutty flavor and smooth mouthfeel, such as Alberta’s High Harvest by Wild Rose Brewery. MORE ABOUT HERE: Wikipedia
  • In the U.S., Hilliard’s (Seattle) and Redhook collaborated on Joint Effort Session Ale, brewed with hemp seeds, though flavor impact was modest. MORE ABOUT HERE: Wikipedia
  • Canadian brewery Cool Beer Brewing released Millennium Buzz Hemp Beer in 2003—one of the first hemp-based beers in Canada. MORE ABOUT HERE: Wikipedia
  • Frederick Brewing Company’s Hempen Ale (1997) used 10–30% hemp seeds by weight. It garnered attention—and legal scrutiny—yet ended up served even on Air Force One. MORE ABOUT HERE: Wikipedia

3. Process Highlights

Brewing with Hemp Seeds

The 2025 study showed that hemp seeds (especially malted) can be added during the mashing process, enriching the wort with antioxidants, vitamins, and sugars—all while retaining typical brewing performance.

Adding Terpenes
  • Hemp or cannabis terpenes are often added post-boil, akin to dry hopping, ensuring aromatic compounds survive the heat.
  • Beer style pairing matters:
    • IPAs get balanced bitterness from CBD or terpenes.
    • Stouts/Porters draw out roasted and chocolate notes.
    • Sours gain depth from herbal or mild bitter tones. READ MORE ABOUT: The Washington Beer Blog

4. THC & CBD-Infused Beverages: The Fringe Edge

While cannabis seeds and terpenes are additive, some breweries now experiment with hemp-derived THC/CBD alcohol-free drinks:

  • Thomas Hooker Brewing (Connecticut) launched MUZE, a hemp-derived seltzer with 3 mg THC and 15 mg CBD per can, aiming for a “flow state” vibe and sold across 200 stores. MORE ABOUT HERE: CT Insider
  • Similarly, Toppling Goliath in Iowa has entered the THC/CBD beverage market with Merry Rain—a CBD/THC sparkling product lineup tailored to local regulations. READ MORE HERE: Axios

5. Brewer & Reviewer Insights

Benefits
  • Flavor innovation: Terpenes and hemp seeds add herbal, citrusy, or nutty notes, enhancing traditional profiles. READ MORE: San Diego Beer News®
  • Nutritional enhancements: Hemp seeds bring antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins.
  • Cultural differentiation: Beers infused with cannabis elements—without the psychoactive effect—are a novelty that helps brands stand out.
Challenges
  • Flavor can be polarizing: Some find hemp’s nuttiness off-putting. MORE ABOUT HERE: Beer & Brewing
  • Legal complexity: THC/CBD beverages face regulations; terpenes and hemp might still trigger scrutiny despite legal status.
  • Consumer awareness: It’s still niche—broader acceptance depends on education and normalization.

6. What Lies Ahead

  • More R&D: Brewing with hemp seeds shows scientific promise for enriching nutrition and flavor.
  • Terpenes as a brewing tool: Expect wider use of non-psychoactive cannabis aromatics to reshape beers.
  • Trend momentum: As brewery and cannabis industries intersect, we’ll likely see regulatory adjustments, expanded flavor emulation, and consumer openness.
  • Hybrid beverages: THC/CBD-infused seltzers and beers will grow alongside—especially as alcohol consumption evolves.

Conclusion

Brewing with cannabis seeds, hemp hearts, or terpenes is more than a gimmick—it’s a creative convergence of flavor science, nutrition, and botanical art. From the nutritional boost of malted hemp seeds to the aromatic enhancement of terpenes, craft brewers are redefining beer’s limits.

While some experiments are still niche or scientifically early, they point toward a future of beer that’s more nuanced, health-conscious, and boundary-pushing. Whether you’re a brewer, beer lover, or cannabis enthusiast, this evolving frontier is one to watch.