Sometimes healing starts with just feeling comfortable, like walking into a space where you can breathe, ask whatever is on your mind, and not worry about being judged. A place that feels less like a store and more like somewhere you actually want to hang out, easy, warm, and real.
That’s exactly what Lindsay French wanted to create when she opened Hippie & French, a cannabis boutique in Pittsburgh that feels more like a friend’s living room than a store. After going through her own recovery from prescription drug addiction, she knew how important it was to have a place where people could explore cannabis without pressure or confusion.
Instead of pushing products or following trends, Lindsay leads with real conversations, simple education, and care that’s rooted in experience. For her, it’s never just about what’s on the shelf, it’s about helping people feel better in a way that actually works for them.
No Pressure, Just Real Talk
Lindsay has a simple rule, listen first. When someone new walks into the shop, she does not launch into a sales pitch. She starts by asking what they are struggling with and if they already have something in mind.
That alone changes the whole vibe. It puts the power in the shopper’s hands. Whether they are dealing with chronic pain, or stress, or just want better sleep, Lindsay wants to know what they are hoping to get out of cannabis before offering a suggestion.
She helps people make sense of things like CBD vs. THC and guides them through the differences between oils, tinctures, edibles, and creams, helping them choose what makes sense for their needs. It’s about matching the right product to the right purpose, not pushing the most popular item.
When It Comes to Pain, Topicals Often Win
A lot of customers come in looking for something to ease physical pain. Most ask for CBD gummies, thinking that’s the best option. Gummies are familiar and easy, but they are not always the most effective.
Lindsay explains that if you can pinpoint your pain, like in your back, knee, or neck, a topical can be more effective than something you ingest. Creams and balms work right where they’re needed without affecting the whole body.
As she says, “Education is everything. I always ask what they are dealing with and what they have in mind, that way, I can recommend what really works. For pinpointed pain, a topical is often better than a gummy.”
This kind of honest, practical advice is what makes the experience at Hippie & French different from other cannabis shops.
Keeping Cannabis Education Simple
Cannabis education is at the heart of Lindsay’s mission, but it does not have to be complicated. There are no long explanations or intimidating science lessons. Just clear, down-to-earth conversations.
Her team is trained to meet people where they are. If someone needs time to think things through or wants to come back with more questions, that’s totally fine. No pressure, no rush. The goal is to make every person feel confident and comfortable in their choices.
That’s why so many people who feel left out of traditional wellness spaces, especially women, caregivers, and those new to cannabis, feel at home here. They are not just buying a product. They are learning what works for their body and their lifestyle.
A Place That’s More Than a Shop
Lindsay French did not just open a store, she created a community. It’s a space where healing, education, and trust all come together. Whether you are nervous, curious, or just tired of feeling lost in the world of wellness, Hippie & French offers a starting point.
You don’t need to know anything about cannabis to walk through the door. And you don’t need to have all the answers. Lindsay and her team are there to help, not to sell.
If you have been thinking about trying CBD or THC but don’t know where to begin, this is your sign to stop by. There is no judgment, just guidance, and maybe the right product to help you finally feel better.
Because healing does not have to be complicated. Sometimes, it just starts with someone who listens.