Step 1

Melt oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat; swirl to coat. Add popcorn; cover and cook, shaking pot frequently, until kernels pop, about 3 minutes. When popping slows down, remove pot from heat. Let stand until popping stops, about 1 minute. Pour popcorn into a large bowl coated with cooking spray. Stir in pecans and hempseed.

Step 2

Stir together sugar and ¼ cup water in a medium, heavy pan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in syrup, butter, and salt; cook over medium-high heat until a candy thermometer registers 300°F, about 12 minutes. Remove pan from heat; stir in vanilla.

Step 3

Immediately pour hot syrup mixture over popcorn mixture; toss to coat. Let cool for 1 minute. Carefully form mixture into 10 3-inch balls, being sure not to compact them too tightly. Place on parchment and let cool completely.