Cannabis Maximus Featured in BrewView Vermont (2025 Interview)
Published: November 30, 2025 | BrewView Vermont – Issue Three | View Magazine Article
We’re honored to share that Cannabis Maximus was recently featured in BrewView Vermont’s 2025 Issue Three, where our co-owner, Drew Smith, joined other Vermont dispensary leaders to discuss the evolving cannabis landscape in our state.
The feature explored what makes Vermont’s cannabis community, especially here in Brattleboro, unique, how dispensaries guide customers responsibly, and what it’s really like to build a values-driven business in this emerging industry.
Below are highlights from the interview — and a deeper look at the principles that guide Cannabis Maximus every day.
What Makes Vermont’s Cannabis Industry Different?
When asked what he enjoys most about being part of Vermont’s cannabis industry, Drew didn’t hesitate:
“What I like best about being a dispensary in Vermont is the sense of community and connection. Vermonters genuinely care about each other and about supporting local, responsible businesses. Cannabis here isn’t just an industry — it’s a shared passion rooted in wellness, nature, and authenticity.”
Vermont’s cannabis culture feels distinctly local. It’s shaped by small businesses, thoughtful consumers, and a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and integrity.
For us, being part of this community means more than operating a storefront. It means:
Supporting responsible access
Promoting education and transparency
Building relationships rooted in trust
Honoring the plant’s role in wellness and personal experience Access to safe, legal cannabis — grown and curated with intention — is something we don’t take lightly.
How We Guide Customers Who Aren’t Sure What They’re Looking For
Another question focused on how we approach conversations with customers, especially those who may be new or unsure about what they want.
Drew explained that it starts with listening.
“I always start by asking what mode of consumption they prefer — smoking, vaping, edibles, drinks, concentrates, tinctures. Next, I ask about their goals, whether it’s relaxation, pain relief, creativity, or simply enjoyment.”
Vermont’s cannabis culture feels distinctly local. It’s shaped by small businesses, thoughtful consumers, and a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and integrity. For us, being part of this community means more than operating a storefront. It means:
Supporting responsible access
Promoting education and transparency
Building relationships rooted in trust
Honoring the plant’s role in wellness and personal experience
Access to safe, legal cannabis — grown and curated with intention — is something we don’t take lightly.
How We Guide Customers Who Aren’t Sure What They’re Looking For
Another question focused on how we approach conversations with customers, especially those who may be new or unsure about what they want.
Drew explained that it starts with listening.
"I always start by asking what mode of consumption they prefer — smoking, vaping, edibles, drinks, concentrates, tinctures. Next, I ask about their goals, whether it’s relaxation, pain relief, creativity, or simply enjoyment."
These two questions open the door to meaningful conversations about lifestyle, comfort, and experience.
Every customer is unique. Some want as much detail as possible — terpene profiles, cannabinoid breakdowns, lineage of cultivars. Others simply want guidance toward something that fits their preferences.
Our role is to educate without overwhelming, guide without pushing, and create a welcoming space where people feel comfortable asking questions.
The Most Pleasant Surprise Since Opening
When reflecting on what has surprised him most since opening, Drew pointed to the team behind Cannabis Maximus.
“The most pleasant surprise has been my team. From our general manager to our budtenders, they are a group of people we truly like, trust, and respect. That culture is everything.”
A values-driven culture shows up in the customer experience. When employees are proud of what they do and supported in their work, that pride translates into thoughtful service and meaningful interactions.
At Cannabis Maximus, our mission is rooted in:
Quality
Fair pricing
Education
Respect for the plant
Respect for our community
We’re proud of the team we’ve built and the environment we’ve created together.
Life Outside the Dispensary
BrewView also asked what life looks like outside of work.
When he’s not at the dispensary, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and son, playing golf, and cheering on the Boston Bruins. Family, sports, and time outdoors help keep things grounded and balanced — something that feels very Vermont in its own way.
Grateful to Be Part of Vermont’s Cannabis Community
We’re grateful to BrewView Vermont for including Cannabis Maximus in Issue Three and for highlighting the voices shaping Vermont’s cannabis industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to:
Community connection
Responsible, informed access
Education-first conversations
Craft-focused, quality-driven products
If you’d like to learn more about Cannabis Maximus, visit our store or explore our website to see how we approach cannabis with care, integrity, and Vermont values at the forefront.
