I’ve been to cannabis lounges around the world, from Amsterdam to Barcelona to Mexico City. So, the excitement to finally get a local cannabis lounge in my hometown was an instant green flag to see how it compares. Here’s why Burn1 cannabis consumption lounge deserves a spot on the top-shelf.
Creating a one-of-a-kind Detroit cannabis experience
Burn1 lounge re-ignites Detroit as a cannabis hub by creating a place where visitors can indulge in the joys of smoking cannabis. Marijuana has been legal in Michigan for several years; however, finding a legal place to spark up (especially as a visitor) was challenging. Most hotels don’t allow it, and it is also not permitted in public spaces. Now, you can buy and consume cannabis on the same trip.
Whether you’re taking a day trip to Michigan for a cannabis run or spending time around the D, Burn1 fits the bill. Drop in for an afternoon smoke sesh before checking out the best place to eat in Detroit. It stays open until midnight every day, making it an excellent alternative for Detroit nightlife.
Lounge Amenities
Every lounge differs in amenities, and it’s clear that Burn1 wants you to stay for a while instead of “smoke and run.” Complimentary grinders and rolling trays are provided upon request. Every table also has an ashtray. The venue features modern bathrooms, a vending machine offering healthy sandwiches, and a bar counter selling various items and accessories. After your session, your host will take care of the cleanup.
Inside, several flat-screen TVs are mounted on the lounge walls, showing the latest sports games. There is also an entire outdoor patio space available.
An All-in-one cannabis experience
There’s one stipulation for being able to enjoy a free cannabis lounge—you can only consume flower purchased at the adjacent Bowdega Cannabis Dispensary. The good news is that it has a large selection of flower and brands to choose from. Not to mention great prices! Consider it your one-stop shop for an elevated experience during your visit to Detroit.
A dispensary and a legal smoking venue in the same location is the perfect setup for travelers. Leave your personal stash at home because there are tons of Michigan-grown flower options to get a taste of the state. It was my first time testing out Bowdega, so I wanted to explore a range of flower options. Their wall of flower did not disappoint, and the charismatic bud tender, Jonny, was just the guy to zig-zag across the entire wall with recommendations. The Pineapple Tart was a sweeter alternative to my favorite Pineapple Express strain. Stank House fit my request for an exotic purple strain with dense buds. Sherbet Pie was my top-shelf pick, and Apple Pie was recommended as a local favorite—Michiganders love their apples! I didn’t get to test out the last two strains during my session at Burn1.
I exited Bowdega with a bag full of four dank strains that definitely passed the “curb appeal.” Off to burn a few at Burn1, which is adjacent to the dispensary door.
My Lounge Experience
4:20. The perfect time to step foot into the Burn1 experience. I had the opportunity to stop by the new cannabis lounge to see for myself if it’s a stoner-certified venue to indeed “burn one.” Here’s how it went down!
Check-in
As easy as inhale-exhale. The host meets guests at the front door to check in. Present your ID and Bowdega Dispensary purchase receipt, and you’re all set to go! Bags and purses are fine to bring into the lounge (they must be checked before entering the Bowdega Cannabis Dispensary).
I walked in simultaneously with two other friendly lounge-goers, and all three of us were seated and ready for our first joints within seconds. Admittedly a quieter time at the lounge mid-day of a Tuesday, but I imagine there’s plenty of steady traffic on the weekends and event days.
It’s pick-your-own seat. Choose between indoor or outdoor seating and your preferred views, then settle in for the flight!
The Vibe
The quiet Utica cityscape fades away into a stylish lounge setting. From the moment you step inside Burn1, you’re met with the pleasant aroma of cannabis. However, don’t expect a dark, smoke-filled room. The well-ventilated space keeps fresh air circulating and visibility at 100%. Windows line the entire venue, flooding the space with tons of natural light. I imagine it has cool lighting when it gets dark, but still plenty to see the joint you’re rolling.
The modern decor, trendy cannabis merch, and upscale atmosphere bring a new way to enjoy cannabis. Inside, rows of contemporary couches and lounge seats are as comfy as they are cool—so feel free to choose the indica and get couch locked. I opted for the indoor setting to get that “lux” smoking experience the venue promotes. Outside is perfect if you’re visiting Burn1 on one of Michigan’s “nice” weather days. There’s a massive patio with lots of tables, each topped with its own The Simpsons donut-inspired ashtrays—a nice touch of pop culture to the contemporary space. There’s also a bar counter where guests can purchase various cannabis accessories for their session.
Host services
You’re treated like a VIP guest the moment you arrive. After the easy check-in process, I had a chance to get a glimpse at what you can expect from your host. Check-in is the best time to request a complimentary rolling tray and grinder. They have rolling papers for sale in case you forget your own.
During my session, the host checked in with me to see if I had everything I needed. She was also always nearby in case I had something come up. The same was the case for the other guests in the lounge. There were multiple hosts to ensure a seamless task of attending to lounge duties and checking new arrivals. Other guests (whom I assumed were frequent dispensary visitors) engaged in friendly chatter with the hosts before sparking up, and I saw someone ordering a bottle of water in preparation for cottonmouth.
Overall, the hosts excel in creating a comfortable smoking environment and providing everything needed for the ultimate sesh.
Plan your own Cannabis-induced event at Burn1
Are you visiting Detroit to celebrate your birthday? A Motor City trip for your anniversary? What about a wellness retreat in the D? Burn1 proudly hosts events catering to all cannabis-lovers. Whether you need the entire lounge or a private room to accommodate your guests, it’s a unique way to bring cannabis into your Detroit experience.
Getting to Burn1
Burn1 isn’t quite a stone’s throw away from your downtown Detroit hotel. I recommend planning your trip to the lounge if you’re only in town for a short stay. Due to the distance from the Downtown Detroit area, it will likely be the main activity on your itinerary for the day. True stoners will say it’s the ONLY thing to have on your Detroit itinerary.
Burn1 is located at 45411 Park Ave, Suite C, Utica, MI. It’s approximately 30 miles north of Downtown Detroit. I recommend driving or ordering an Uber for the trip. The trip in a car from Detroit to the Burn1 cannabis lounge is about 40-45 minutes. The one-way cost in an Uber from Downtown is $60+. There is a lot of on-site parking available.
Things to know before visiting the Burn1 Cannabis Lounge
- Visitors must be age 21+
- Visitors must have a valid ID and a receipt from Bowdega Dispensary to enter
- Only cannabis purchased from the Bowdega Dispensary is permitted to be consumed at the Burn1 lounge
- No tobacco products allowed
Where to Stay?
Burn1 is located in Utica. It’s still the Metro Detroit area, but it’s a bit of a drive from Downtown Detroit. Since most hotels don’t allow smoking on-site, finding cannabis-friendly vacation rentals near Detroit is the best option for being able to consume cannabis where you stay. However, thanks to the cannabis lounge, you aren’t just limited to 420-friendly accommodations.
Make reservations at Hyatt Place - Detroit Utica and you’ll be right next to the cannabis lounge!
Is it worth the trip?
Burn1 is an enticing experience for cannabis-lovers. But, the distance from the Downtown Detroit area may make you reconsider—especially if most of your other planned activities are nearby. After visiting the cannabis lounge to see for myself if it’s worth the effort to visit, I recommend it as a place to check out!
To make Burn1 worthwhile, plan a half-day in your Detroit travel plans. That includes travel time, shopping at the Bowdega dispensary, and spending time in the consumption lounge. Be sure to check the calendar before visiting to see if any events are happening while you’re in town.
Check out other things to see and do in Utica after visiting the Burn1 cannabis consumption lounge!
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