A cannabis music venue, called Pipeline, could be coming to Ypsilanti. If built, it will be the first of its kind in the state. Conditionally approved plans for the project’s proposal include an outdoor amphitheater and a large indoor lounge off of State St, with a fence ensuring protection from public visibility (part of state law requirements).
The hopeful owner, Michael Ludtke, is no stranger to the Ypsilanti scene–he’s also creating a nearby dispensary and growing facility, Frost Cannabis.
Although the first venue of its kind in the state, marijuana and music have a long history together.
Cannabis has inspired many modern musicians, and musicians have helped popularize weed, especially during times when use of cannabis was discriminated against. Cannabis transforms perspective, releases creativity and improves calm and mood — all helpful when it comes to writing or playing music.
Listening to music while high changes the way the brain interprets sound — often making it more enjoyable or intense. It can help a listener pick out little details in the music or positively impact the emotional experience of the song.
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While you can listen to any music high, genres that are particularly recommended to listen to while consuming THC include ballads, reggae, jazz or classical.
When jazz began in the 1920s, it was often associated with cannabis — weed, called “jazz cigarettes,” could be found in New Orleans jazz clubs. Louis Armstrong, a famous jazz musician, loved weed and even wrote a song about it. Musicians often found that THC helped them with wild improvisation (a vital part of jazz).
And of course, many people who know of Bob Marley (a famous reggae musician) also know that he loved cannabis and supported legalization of the plant.
Creating a local music venue that welcomes the use of cannabis could be a great pairing. As the first in the state, it will be an opportunity to see the public interest in a public space to smoke cannabis with friends while enjoying a social activity.
Ludtke plans for Pipeline to be open to the public three days a week to start, with a $25 cover that is waived if you purchase $50 in goods from the dispensary. One day a week will be set aside for parties, weddings or other private events.