Michigan is inching its way toward opening actual cannabis cafes. The state’s first licensed consumption lounge will open this month for private events. Located in Hazel Park, Hot Box Social features a chic yet cozy interior with bar seating, couches, and cushy armchairs. The plan is to open the indoor lounge to private events first and to the public later in 2022. The spacious patio area will open this summer, and visitors will be able to order cannabis products from a dispensary and then consume onsite.
The lounge is owned by Trucenta, a vertically integrated cannabis company with cultivation and manufacturing facilities, wholesale distribution, and dispensaries in Hazel Park and Battle Creek.
When Hot Box Social opens to the public, Michigan will join the handful of US states that actually provide a place for tourists to legally indulge in cannabis. Although New Jersey and New York laws allow consumption lounges, none are yet open to the public. Colorado has a complicated history with cannabis cafes. There are a few legal consumption lounges in Illinois and a growing number in California. In Nevada, the Paiute Tribe operates The Vegas Tasting Room, and more lounges are likely to open by early summer.
“We are honored that Michigan has awarded us the state’s first license for a consumption lounge,” said Nowfal Akash, Trucenta chief information officer. “Our hope is that Hot Box Social will be used to bring a new experience for companies hosting brainstorming meetings, friends who are gathering for private parties, and one-of-a-kind fundraisers to raise money for nonprofit organizations,” Akash added.
Hot Box Social is located at 23610 John R in Main Street in Hazel Park.
