By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Hemp was the primary topic discussed during the Jan. 30 Coffee and Commerce.
At the Cave Area Conference Center in Cave City, Co-founder and President of Phorus Industries Jonathan Knarreborg was the keynote speaker with the goal of educating those in attendance about hemp-, CBD- and Delta-8-related products, the science behind creating such products and the evolution of the industry.
Phorus Industries is located in Glasgow on Physicians Boulevard.
Knarreborg was the registered agent for AJ Alchemy that had previously received a processor license in the Kentucky medical-marijuana lottery in October 2024. Vice President of Phorus Industries Ashley Gagné told Glasgow News 1 that the company sold that processor license due to supply issues and Kentucky’s regulations.
“We had won a processor license…however, because the business was not ready for production; we weren’t going to have any cultivators ready to actually produce the product that we were going to need in order to turn that into final manufactured goods, we decided to expand more — continuing the hemp base we started — into wellness products,” Gagné said. “Creatine is the big [product focus].”
Gagné added the company would likely try for another license if Kentucky holds another lottery.
AJ Alchemy sold its processor license to MD Derby in Jessamine County, according to the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis. The sell request was approved on March 17, 2025, according to the office.
Employees for Phorus Industries are primarily from the Southcentral region of Kentucky, Knarreborg said. Gagné later told Glasgow News 1 that she estimates the company has created over 100 jobs, and is looking to continue hiring.
“Oh my goodness, do we need more [employees],” Gagné said. “We are expanding so fast. I’m looking for new hires everyday. We’re always looking for new hires.”
Phorus Industries became a Barren Inc. member in 2025.
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