Not Just to Get High: Lindsay French on Cannabis as a Gentle, Functional Remedy
Written by Nia Bowers
Forget what you think you know about cannabis. It’s no longer just about getting high. More people are turning to it for real-life support, like easing anxiety, managing pain, or finding better sleep. And that’s the kind of small, meaningful change Lindsay French is helping to create.
She is the founder of Hippie & French, a small boutique in Pittsburgh that offers cannabis differently. It’s not loud or flashy. It doesn’t push trends. Instead, it’s a calm, welcoming space where people, especially those new to cannabis, can ask questions, learn, and walk out with something that actually fits their needs.
Lindsay did not open the shop to ride the green wave. She opened it because cannabis played a role in her own recovery. After a serious accident left her in chronic pain, she was prescribed fentanyl patches. What followed was a long, painful cycle of opioid dependence. Breaking free took years, and a shift to plant-based options helped her find her footing again.
That personal experience changed how she viewed cannabis. She saw what it could do when used with care, especially in small, controlled doses. And she wanted to offer that same approach to others who were overwhelmed, unsure, or overlooked by traditional wellness spaces.
Step Inside and Feel the Difference Step inside Hippie & French, and it’s clear this is not a typical dispensary. There are no neon signs or overstocked shelves. Instead, the space is warm and thoughtful, like a local pharmacy or a trusted neighborhood shop.
Lindsay has carefully chosen every product, from low-dose edibles and CBD tinctures to functional herbs and non-alcoholic mood drinks. Many of the items come from small, independent makers, and all are tested for safety and quality. Her goal is to carry what she would use herself: gentle, honest options that support daily life without overwhelming it.
She focuses on products that help people stay clear and functional, not zoned out. For many of her customers, that’s the whole point. They are juggling work, family, or health challenges and want something that helps them stay present, not escape.
Learning Comes First
Lindsay knows that for many people, walking into a cannabis store can feel intimidating. That’s why education is at the heart of everything she does. But it’s not about lectures or complicated science. It’s about listening and explaining things in simple, real terms.When a new customer visits, she starts with a few questions: What are you dealing with? What have you tried before? What’s your goal?
From there, she makes suggestions based on their needs. For example, if someone is dealing with joint or back pain, she might recommend a topical instead of a gummy, something that works directly where it hurts. She breaks down the difference between CBD and THC, helps customers understand how to use products safely, and encourages people to start low and go slow.
This kind of clear, friendly support is what makes the shop different. Customers don’t feel rushed or sold to. They feel heard.
A Quiet Stand Against the Noise
The wider cannabis industry is still full of hype, stronger strains, bigger promises, slicker packaging. But Lindsay doesn’t buy into that. She stays focused on real people and real results.She is especially passionate about offering alternatives to alcohol. More customers are asking for relaxing, non-intoxicating options that help them wind down without the side effects of drinking. So she stocks mood-boosting drinks, calming tinctures, and herbal blends that feel more like self-care than partying.
She also makes space for harder conversations. As someone who has lived through opioid addiction, Lindsay knows the power of honest dialogue. That’s why she shares her own story, openly, without shame. She wants customers to know they are not alone, and that healing doesn’t have to come in the form of a prescription bottle.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
Running a small cannabis shop is not easy, there are legal hurdles, supply issues, and a lot of lingering stigma. But Lindsay French is not chasing trends or headlines. She is building something slow and steady, with care at the center. Her goal is simple: help people feel better, more informed, and more in control of their choices.As more people turn to cannabis for wellness, Hippie & French shows what the future can be: personal, honest, and rooted in real life. Lindsay is proving that quiet, thoughtful work really can change things.
