Macomb County, Michigan, has a new addition to its cannabis scene with the opening of Burn1, the county’s first licensed cannabis consumption lounge.

This development allows adults aged 21 and older to legally smoke or consume cannabis products in a social setting.

Some community members worry that the lounge could attract crime, may not be family friendly, or might encourage underage cannabis use.

Located in Utica, Michigan Burn1 is a smoke lounge where people to smoke or consume marijuana and cannabis products.

What Is Burn1?

Burn1 is a cannabis consumption lounge located at 45411 Park Avenue, Utica, MI, just north of Hall Road (M-59) near Dave & Buster’s.

It’s not a store or but a space where adults can bring their own marijuana and cannabis products to consume or smoke on-site.

The lounge is designed with seating, an open-air patio, music, and community events like live art displays.

Burn1 is attached to Bowdega, a cannabis store and dispensary where you can purchase marijuana and cannabis products, including flower, edibles, and concentrates from brands like Jeeter, Stiiizy, and Mitten Extracts.

Burn1 focuses solely on consumption, meaning you can’t buy cannabis directly in the lounge but can bring products purchased from Bowdega or you can bring your own cannabis.

When Did Burn1 Open?

Burn1, alongside Bowdega, celebrated its grand opening on Friday, August 8, 2025. The event featured food trucks, DJs, and giveaways.

In 2018, Michigan became the first Midwest state to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older through the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act.

This law allows for Designated Consumption Establishments (DCEs), or cannabis lounges, where people can legally consume cannabis in a public, licensed space.

These lounges address a key issue: while cannabis is legal, public consumption is prohibited outside of designated areas, leaving many users limited to private homes.

According to Marvin Kiezi, founder of the Kiezi Company, which operates Burn1 and Bowdega, the goal is to build a “community-driven” space that feels like a “favorite corner store” while celebrating Utica’s unique vibe.

What Can You Do at Burn1?

At Burn1, you can:

• Consume cannabis legally: Bring your own cannabis (up to 2.5 ounces of flower or 15 grams of concentrate, per Michigan law) to smoke, vape, or consume edibles in a safe, licensed environment.
• Socialize and relax: Enjoy a setting with music, seating, and an open-air patio.
• Attend events: Participate in events like live art, trivia nights, or music performances.

The lounge does not serve alcohol or food, but its proximity to Bowdega makes it easy to purchase cannabis products next door.

Future plans may include non-cannabis food options, similar to trends in other states, but for now, Burn1 focuses on creating a unique consumption experience.

Is It Legal to Smoke at Burn1 and Drive Home?

Smoking or consuming cannabis at Burn1 is completely legal for adults 21 and older, as the lounge operates under a Designated Consumption Establishment license from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA).

However, driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal in Michigan, just as driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.

Cannabis can impair your ability to drive safely, and law enforcement can charge you with a DUI if you’re found driving while impaired. Burn1 emphasizes safety, encouraging patrons to arrange safe transportation, such as rideshares or designated drivers, to get home after consuming.

Burn1 has faced some criticism from local residents and officials.

Some community members worry that the lounge could attract crime or encourage underage cannabis use, despite strict age restrictions and security measures.

Others argue it might increase impaired driving.

Macomb County residents have expressed concerns about the smell of cannabis affecting nearby businesses, though the lounge uses advanced ventilation systems to minimize odors.

These criticisms reflect ongoing debates about cannabis legalization.

How Many Cannabis Lounges Are There in Michigan and the U.S.?

As of August 2025, Michigan has six licensed cannabis consumption lounges, though not all are operational. These include:

• Burn1 in Utica
• Only Alien Cannabis Co. in Kalamazoo
• Rolling Embers in New Buffalo
• Pipe Dream at Zip Dispensary in Hartford
• Hot Box Social in Hazel Park (now closed)
• Kalkushka Lounge in Kalkaska

Additionally, a lounge called Joint Cannabis Lounge is expected to open in Mount Clemens, Macomb County, later in 2025.

Across the United States, cannabis lounges are still rare due to strict regulations.

Only 10 states, including Michigan, have authorized consumption lounges, with others like California, Colorado, and Nevada leading the way.

However, restrictive laws, such as Michigan’s ban on selling cannabis directly in lounges, limit their economic viability, making them less common than dispensaries.

Cannabis lounges are gaining traction as they offer a unique social experience, often compared to bars or coffee shops but without alcohol.

In Michigan, the concept is still new, and lounges like Burn1 are working to build popularity around cannabis culture.

However, challenges like high licensing fees, an environment that could be lead to increased crime, and restrictions on on-site sales can slow growth.

Marijuana use has both potential benefits and risks, depending on the individual and context.

According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), cannabis can cause short-term effects like impaired memory, coordination, and judgment, which can increase the risk of accidents if driving.

Long-term use may lead to dependency in some users (about 9% of regular users) and potential mental health risks, such as anxiety or worsening symptoms in those with pre-existing conditions like schizophrenia.

However, the study also notes that cannabis has therapeutic potential for conditions like chronic pain and nausea, though more research is needed. Read the full study here.

Why This Matters for Macomb County

Some areas, like Macomb Township, prohibit commercial cannabis operations, making Utica’s embrace of Burn1 and Bowdega a progressive move.

Cannabis legalization has also boosted the local economy, with Michigan’s cannabis industry generating over $9.7 billion in sales through October 2024.

But concerns from some community members about impared driving and increased crime rates leaves the new smoke lounge controversial.

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