From speakeasy matchbox sales, to worldwide cannabis retail empire. The Bulldog, one of the oldest coffee shop in the world is nothing but expanding as legalization grows globally

Legalization of cannabis worldwide has been a hot topic in the last decade, but few places in the world have such a long and rich modern cannabis history as the Netherlands, moreover Amsterdam and its Red Light District. 

Rising to fame globally for its one of a kind coffee shops, which are open door facilities where  people could come, buy and smoke cannabis legally, Amsterdam has been at the forefront of the last 50 years of cannabis culture.

When speaking about  Amsterdam coffee shops, nothing compares to what The Bulldog has achieved over the last 47 years, for which they have coined the phrase “The living room of the world”. Which is more important than ever since from May 2023 onward, smoking cannabis outside of a coffeeshop is technically prohibited but not strongly enforced.

If you have ever been to Amsterdam or are planning to go, chances are you have been, will be or are planning on visiting, one or all of The Bulldog’s locations and learn of their role and impact in the cannabis industry of The Netherlands.

From old school cellars in the Red-light district to a remodeled Dutch prison into a cannabis palace, the Bulldog is versatile and offers experiences to suit all tastes, whether you are an Amsterdam local or a worldwide traveler.

We invite you to get to know Amsterdam on a different manner, one that is necessary in order to understand the citizens of this amazing town: Take a boat tour through the canals and smoke a couple doobies while you float away from the crowds and trouble from the land streets, all hand by hand with Amsterdam’s Hosts.

Wildflower Magazine

How did you get here?

As the Netherlands started to decriminalize cannabis in the 70s, “entrepreneurship”  sprung all around the country, just as Henk de Vries, The Bulldogs founder,  started his canna-career selling his “African grass” in matchboxes at 1970’s Kralingse bos festival in Holland. Having such success, he knew it was work for a lifetime.

In 1974 Henk inherited his parents sex shop in the Red-light district, throwing everything out the window and in 1975 he opened the first coffee shop In Holland, naming it after his dog at that time, Joris the bulldog.

Fast forward to 1983. Expansion begins with the Bulldog Mack, just a couple blocks from The Bulldog The First, and a tribute to the legendary founders of the Red-light district.

Throughout these years, Henk and his customers tended to get arrested often as laws were very ambiguous, making the police station almost their second home. Until 1985 on April’s fools, when Henk purchased the old police station in Leidseplein, turning it into The Bulldog Palace, marking undisputed leadership in Dutch cannabis industry. Subsequently opening The Bulldog Energy in 1992, The Bulldog Rockshop in 1993, and The Bulldog Hotel in 1996, the first 5 star hostel in the world.

The Bulldog’s reach and growth has led them around the world, adjusting to each area's specific cannabis laws. From social clubs in Barcelona and Ibiza, and a cafeteria-bar in Rome. To a snow resort with a dispensary in Silver Star Mountain at BC, Canada, and a tropical lounge in Aruba overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Exclusive interview with The Bulldog. What does the future hold?

At Wildflower Magazine we had the opportunity to visit the legendary The Bulldog shop and speak with Jim Zielinsky, The Bulldog’s GM and local legend.

Jim shared his +25 year experience at The Bulldog, as well as his opinion on what is to come for it, while narrating crazy stories including buddhist death ceremonies, frozen dogs and more than over-stoned tourists, and all sorts of weird situations, which can’t be added to this article, and you’ll have to hear in person from the legend, when you visit The Bulldog.

 René Louman

Q1: Did The Bulldog expect to have such an impact on Amsterdam and Cannabis Culture?

A: In the beginning we didn’t know what to expect, but integrating the community and sticking to professionalism has led the way. We are very happy about where we are and how we have helped the industry and its people grow.

Q2: Why use the old sex shop to start The Bulldog?

A: It was a family business owned by Henk’s father. He used to hate people coming and asking for really terrible stuff, for which as soon as he got ahold of it, he threw everything from the window into the canal, and focused on friendlier matters. Henk knew it was time for cannabis.

Q3: Why did you expand into Hotels? What can guests expect while staying here?

A: Travelers always need an open minded, clean and safe place to crash. Because of this, we tried to offer them the best experience, where they can find everything they need. Hotels are cannabis smoke friendly (not tobacco), food is just a step away, and everything is comfortable.

Q4: Why do you think travelers and locals prefer The Bulldog over other establishments?

A: First of all, our trajectory and reputation backs us up, our quality and service is very professional. Second, there is history in every one of our locations, each with a different atmosphere, so visitors can choose whatever they prefer.

Q5: What is next for The Bulldog?

A: Even though in the last years the world has slowed down a lot, we are as stable as ever, so expect to see us for a while longer, expanding worldwide as cannabis legalization is an ongoing phenomenon we aim to foster.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit The Bulldog in Amsterdam and stay with them, either in the hostel where you will meet travelers with high interests or request a private loft where you can enjoy the best views  and get lost through the canals of the red light district.

The Bulldog Palace