Budtender of the Month: David Nganga, Fire & Flower
April 16, 2026
Some budtenders clock in. Others show up. Then there are the rare ones who make every customer feel like the shop was built just for them.
David Nganga is that kind of budtender. A certified CannSell graduate working at Fire & Flower, David earned five nominations from peers and customers who clearly felt something worth saying out loud. It's not hard to understand why once you read what he has to say.
This month, we asked David six questions. The answers speak for themselves.
Why are you passionate about your role?
"This is more than just a job for me, it's a passion. I love coming to work every day. To me, cannabis brings people together no matter your walk of life, race, status or where you're coming from. I'm all about equality, peace and love and working at the shop brings me so much joy, seeing my regulars, checking in on their days, and just shooting the breeze."
What is one thing you wish all customers knew?
"I genuinely love coming to work and talking with all my lovely customers, be it the ones who just stop by to say hi and check in, my regulars, or even the new customers coming along for this awesome journey that we're all on. I appreciate each and every one of you and the conversations we have. A lot of you inspire me to keep being better and I hope I can be an inspiration to some of you too. Thank you for this award - it's my greatest award to date because it's from my people. Words can't describe how I feel, I'm just very grateful to everyone who made this possible. Asante Sana."
What is your number one tip for your colleagues on how to excel in their roles?
"Stay patient. Humble yourself. Remain respectful and be the best representation of yourself. Remember, respect is free."
If you could have any other role in the industry, what would it be and why?
"I would want to work with brands directly- possibly as a territory manager so I can get to travel and talk about cannabis while opening more doors and making more connections. Opening stores is also something I'd consider. "
What are you excited about for the future of cannabis in Canada? What do you envision?
"Decriminalizing cannabis around the world and everyone being free of judgment for loving the plant. I feel like more people need to Respect The Plant, and the world would be a more peaceful place."
Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?
"I LOVE BLUNTSSSSSSSS! It would be a dream to get a sponsorship so hopefully the Kush Gods get this article into the right hands 🙏🏿. If you see me around, let's smoke a blunt! I want to find out how your day is."
"Respect is free." Three words. That's all it takes to understand why David has regulars who come by just to say hi.
The cannabis industry is built on trust. Between the customer and the budtender. Between the shop and the community. Between a certified professional and the plant they love. David gets that. And the 200,000+ budtenders in the CannSell network get it too. Looking to work in cannabis in Ontario? Check out CannSell’s cannabis retail training.
Want to be recognized for the work you put in every day? The Budtender of the Month program is open to all certified CannSell graduates. Nominations come from your customers, your colleagues, and your community. The next winner could be you. Nominate a budtender today.