Picture this: a vibrant space where music fills the air, food trucks line up, and people gather to enjoy good vibes while consuming cannabis in a safe, legal setting. This vision is taking shape near Ypsilanti Township, where a new 4-acre cannabis consumption lounge and music venue could soon open its doors. Known as Pipeline, the project is spearheaded by local entrepreneur Michael Ludtke, who’s making strides to create Michigan’s first venue of its kind.
Ludtke, who owns 20 After 4, a local smoke shop, believes the township is the perfect location for this innovative idea. The venue will include a 4,300-square-foot lounge, an outdoor amphitheater with a capacity of 650 people, and a storage building, all spread across nearly four acres. This blend of indoor and outdoor space sets Pipeline apart as the first venue in Michigan to offer both cannabis consumption and live music in one place.
The concept behind Pipeline goes deeper than just a business venture. Ludtke named it in honor of the “pipeline” that was once the underground market for cannabis, a nod to the era before legalization. Now, with cannabis consumption legal in Michigan, Ludtke is working to bring this experience into the mainstream in a way that combines his passion for the plant with his love for music. The venue will be open to the public three days a week for anyone 21 and older, offering a space where Detroit’s hip-hop scene can thrive alongside Woodstock-era bands, electronica, and DJs—all in a cannabis-friendly environment.
Pipeline’s indoor lounge is set to host year-round events, making it an ideal destination for both summer festivals and winter gatherings. Meanwhile, the outdoor amphitheater will provide a setting for larger events, with a non-visibility fence shielding it from public view as required by state law. Food trucks will add to the experience, giving attendees a variety of options to enjoy alongside the music and cannabis.
This project is all about entertainment while creating a safe and regulated space for cannabis consumption in a state that’s seen rapid growth in the industry. Currently, there are only three other consumption lounges in Michigan, with the latest opening in Kalamazoo. Pipeline would be the first to combine both indoor and outdoor spaces for this purpose, setting a new standard for what cannabis venues can look like in the state.
Ludtke’s vision for Pipeline extends beyond just a consumption lounge. He’s also working to open Frost Cannabis, a dispensary and growing facility just south of the venue. While the two developments are technically separate, they will sit on the same six-acre parcel of land that Ludtke owns. The Planning Commission conditionally approved the site plans on August 27, paving the way for the project to move forward. Ludtke says he has already addressed concerns about noise, adjusting the plans to ensure that sound levels won’t disturb nearby residents in the West Willow neighborhood.
Pipeline’s plans include a range of safety measures, such as video surveillance monitored from a secure, non-smoking room inside the venue. Footage will be stored for 60 days and accessible to law enforcement as required by state law.
To secure final approval from the township board, developers must meet several conditions, including agreements on event parking, security, lighting, and trash disposal. The venue will also need to adhere to specific capacity limits and operating hours. Once these conditions are met, Pipeline will be one step closer to becoming a reality.
What makes this project particularly exciting is the potential it holds for both the local community and Michigan’s cannabis industry. As the state continues to navigate the evolving landscape of cannabis legalization, venues like Pipeline offer a glimpse into what the future could look like—places where people can come together, enjoy live music, and consume cannabis in a regulated, welcoming environment. For Ypsilanti Township, this project could bring not only economic growth but also a new cultural hub for the region.
Simply put, Pipeline is all about cannabis or music but in its grand scheme of things it’s about creating a space where both can coexist, providing a unique experience that’s unlike anything else in the state. For Ludtke, this is both a business venture and a passion project, one that reflects his deep connection to the cannabis community and his desire to bring something new and exciting to Ypsilanti. As the plans move forward, it’s clear that Pipeline could become a landmark in Michigan’s cannabis and music scene, setting the stage for more venues like it to emerge in the future.
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