The cannabis revolution wasn’t sparked by boardrooms or brands—it was ignited by rebels, visionaries, and everyday folks who refused to let prohibition dim their freedom. That’s why when you step into The Bulldog Ex-Police Station coffeeshop in Amsterdam, as we at Beard Bros Pharms did as a pit stop on our recent trip to ICBC Berlin, you’re not just lighting up in another tourist hotspot—you’re walking through a piece of cannabis history.
This isn’t your average smoke session. It’s poetic justice. A joint rolled on the ruins of a system that once cracked down on the very culture it now houses. Welcome to the original sin turned sacred ground—The Bulldog Ex-Police Station, where cannabis and counterculture collide in the most epic way possible.
From Lock-Up to Light-Up
Located at Leidseplein 17, in the heart of one of Amsterdam’s most iconic squares, this spot is more than just a coffeeshop—it’s somewhat ironic. Housed in what was once a Dutch police station, The Bulldog Ex-Police Station has taken the old system’s beating heart and transformed it into a sanctuary for cannabis lovers from around the globe.
Let’s break it down. This building used to be the place where cops booked stoners, seized weed, and pushed prohibition. Today, it’s a joint where cannabis enthusiasts, travelers, and old-school heads come together over clouds of smoke and a shared love for freedom. If that’s not poetic, we don’t know what is.
This coffeeshop opened in 1985, becoming the second-ever Bulldog location. But its backstory runs deeper than location #2—it embodies the whole ethos of The Bulldog brand. Built by Henk de Vries, a true OG in the global cannabis movement, The Bulldog wasn’t just selling smoke—it was building a legacy of defiance and community.
Henk took a beaten-up sex shop in the Red Light District and turned it into the world’s first cannabis coffeeshop in 1975. Ten years later, he took over a literal police station and flipped it into a haven for cannabis lovers. That’s the kind of energy we need more of in today’s industry.
The Vibe Inside The Bulldog Ex-Police Station
Walk through the front doors and you’ll notice: it’s not trying to be anything other than authentic. The walls still whisper secrets of the past, but now they’re overpowered by the laughter of travelers and the music of the moment. With memorabilia from the building’s former life—including old police gear, photos, and original cell doors—The Bulldog Ex-Police Station keeps its roots front and center.
The interior is cozy, with heavy wood furniture, warm lighting, and a layout that feels more like a rebellious clubhouse than a commercialized chain. You can grab a booth or chill near the front windows where the people-watching is unbeatable. Upstairs, there’s even more space to vibe out and soak in the surrealism of smoking weed where busts used to go down.
And let’s talk about the crowd. This isn’t just a spot for backpackers checking boxes. You’ll find international cannabis heads, artists, musicians, activists, and curious locals all mingling in one place. Everyone’s got a story, and everyone’s welcome.
What’s on the Menu
This is Amsterdam, so yes, the menu slaps. While you won’t find California-tier boutique buds or U.S. extract tech, what you will find is a curated list of classic Dutch strains, solid hash, and pre-rolls that’ll take you back to simpler times. Think White Widow, Amnesia Haze, Northern Lights, and some old-school Moroccan hash that hits with that nostalgic body buzz. And if you’re not trying to roll up yourself, they’ve got ready-to-smoke joints—both pure and mixed with tobacco, Euro-style.
Prices are tourist-friendly, which means you’re paying for the experience as much as the product. But considering you’re lighting up in what used to be a holding cell? Worth it.
Don’t sleep on the drinks and snacks either. Their bar serves up espresso, fresh juice, and soft drinks to keep the session going. It’s all non-alcoholic, because that’s the coffeeshop code in Amsterdam—but honestly, you won’t miss the booze. The weed is the main character here.
Why It Still Matters
In a world where cannabis culture is increasingly polished, corporatized, and sanitized for the mainstream, places like The Bulldog Ex-Police Station remind us where we came from. This coffeeshop isn’t just selling grams—it’s preserving spirit. It’s a reminder that cannabis legalization didn’t start in courtrooms or campaign ads—it started with rebellion, with grit, with people like Henk de Vries who saw potential in the plant and pushed back against the system.
Yes, the Bulldog empire is now a recognizable brand with a footprint in bars, hotels, and merchandise, but this location remains one of its most symbolic and powerful. It proves that change is possible—not just through laws but through space. Real estate that once jailed smokers now liberates them. That’s transformation you can see.
If you’re in Amsterdam, skip the gimmicky shops and overpriced tourist traps. Head to The Bulldog Ex-Police Station for a joint laced with justice. Come for the weed, stay for the symbolism. Blaze one in a place where stoners once got booked. Laugh in the face of history. And let the ghost of prohibition know—we’re not just surviving anymore.
We’re thriving.
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