Michigan’s First Cannabis-Friendly Music Venue is On the Way

Michigan cannabis is making headlines once again, but this time, it's not just about our booming local cannabis industry. Ypsilanti Township is set to become the home of the state's first-ever cannabis-friendly music venue- a major milestone for the community and the industry.

With Michigan recently surpassing states like California and Colorado in the cannabis market, this new venture is yet another sign of the state's growing influence in the industry. And let's be honest- any time you go to a concert in Michigan, there's a high chance you'll smell marijuana in the crowd- it would be nice for people to have a place where that's accepted and safe instead of subjecting those who don't want to be involved with the smell.

While there is a space in Baldwin that has a cannabis music festival called Cannabash, however they don't host regular concerts outside of that event (yet) so they can't really be considered a full music venue like Pipeline will be.

Read More: Michigan’s Cannabis Tax Is Reason Why Jackson Co. Is About To Have Nice Things

The venue, named P!PELINE (Pipeline), is the brainchild of Mike Ludtke, owner of the local smoke shop Inside 20 After 4. Situated on a four-acre industrial-zoned plot off I-94, next to the water treatment plant, the location they've found is ideal. It's conveniently close to both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, yet far enough from residential areas to avoid noise (and smell) complaints.

What sets Pipeline apart is its dual-venue design. The outdoor amphitheater will accommodate up to 650 guests, making it a perfect spot for live performances under the stars. Additionally, an indoor venue will cater to 250 people, ensuring year-round entertainment. Food trucks will also be on-site, enhancing the overall experience.

Ludtke has spent the last three years navigating the planning process, conducting sound and erosion studies, and overcoming construction hurdles. With the planning commission's approval on August 27th, the project is officially moving forward, and Ludtke aims to open the venue by next summer.

As Michigan continues to lead the way with its vast cannabis supply and competitive pricing, the opening of Pipeline is a significant step in providing a safe and enjoyable space for cannabis enthusiasts to enjoy the state's biggest cash crop in a fun, social setting.