Budtender of the Month: Vycki Fleming, Tokyo Smoke

October 6, 2026

"Doing what you love and having amazing customers makes it easy to be passionate about my role". We couldn't agree more with Vycki on this one, and we applaud her passion, dedication and enthusiasm about the budtending role. Curious to learn more? Read on.

Why are you passionate about your role?

Cannabis has brought so much joy (and medical relief) to my life so of course I want to share that love with others. Few things give me greater pleasure than helping someone: feel less stigma about their cannabis use, discover a new brand they come to love, learn about a new form of consumption that enhances their enjoyment, gain key info about terpenes or even just make someone’s day at the till with their Tokyo Smoke discount using redemption points. I absolutely love how rewarding the job is; the regular customers are such a part of our family that it’s a pleasure to see and serve them as often as we are able! Doing what I love and having amazing customers makes it easy to be passionate about my role.

What is one thing you wish all customers knew?

"There's no need to be afraid. Allow your budtender to guide you toward an experience you can enjoy".

I find some customers are afraid of THC. So much so, that even seeing a label that indicates possible trace amounts can scare them right off a well-made CBD product. There are different reasons, of course; some are afraid to get high, some are afraid to have THC show up on a urine screen for their work or physician. At the end of the day, it’s not for everyone, but I don’t want people to fear the journey of discovery either.

Darn it, maybe there are two things. I also want them all to know:
"The experience doesn't end with THC". Minor cannabinoids can be an enjoyable experience all by themselves or along with THC. There is just so much more to the plant than people realize!!

What is your number one tip for your colleagues on how to excel in their roles?

Stay curious and get involved. Go to shows and festivals; connect with brands and seek out brands you can’t find easily. Join the Budtenders Association and High Buds club and complete all the sessions you can. Learn from your fellow buds. There is such an amazing wealth of knowledge in my fellow budtenders. It’s all out there for you to learn. The more you know, the more trustworthy your recommendations!

If you could have any other role in the industry, what would it be and why?

Like a lot of buds, I would like to be a brand rep. Finding the perfect part-time territory for someone my age, with a service dog, is challenging. I think it would be fun to represent brands at industry events as well. My colleagues bring their passion and playfulness to each event and it's wonderful to be amongst so many cannabis aficionados!

What are you excited about for the future of cannabis in Canada? What do you envision?

I’m genuinely excited about everything!! New brands, more education, better and more swag, pop ups, High Buds Club flights, brand education badge collecting, being a certified Sensimillier, product knowledge and anything else that brings cannabis-loving people together in celebration of the plant.
I envision a government who finally recognizes the sheer magnitude and the size of this industry and how much it contributes to the growth of our country. A government who supports those in this industry who are good players, making the best of the regulations. Leaders who make room for medical use to be more accessible, not less, and physicians who have appropriate cannabis information included in their training.

I envision more acceptance overall and less encouragement of higher doses to consumers who are unsure, new or simply prefer other options. I envision budtenders giving high quality, compliant advice to allow for more enjoyable consumer experiences. I love this industry and cannot wait to see what’s in store for all of us in it!

Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?

I am excited and proud to share that Vortex/Gas has recently given me an opportunity for some part time brand representation. I look forward to doing my best for them. Some of my favourite brands include (of course) Vortex and Gas, Unit 15, Dom Jackson, Dunkz and Nectur.

Never stop learning

Congratulations again Vycki for being named our latest Budtender of the Month. Thank you for the care you bring to your role and to the people you serve.

Know a budtender who goes above and beyond? Nominate them for a future Budtender of the Month at cannsell.ca/community/budtenders.