The Bulldog Amsterdam No.90: The World’s First Coffeeshop
Amsterdam, the city of canals, crooked houses, and that unmistakable Red Light glow. Behind the postcards and party snaps, there’s a piece of history that changed cannabis culture forever. It all kicked off in 1975 when Henk de Vries, a rebellious Amsterdammer with a nose for trouble and an eye for opportunity, turned his dad’s old sex shop into something the world had never seen before: a coffeeshop that actually sold cannabis over the counter. No secret knocks, no dodgy backrooms, just the best hashish, good company, and a living room that welcomed everyone. The Bulldog No.90 or The First, as it is known, didn’t just break the glass ceiling, it shattered it. From police raids and stash stools to oranges rolling down the hatch and queues snaking out the door, this little spot in the Red Light District became the premier coffeeshop and a cannabis icon. In this blog, we’re rolling back the years to tell the history of The Bulldog Amsterdam No.90, how it helped shape Amsterdam’s legendary coffeeshop scene, and why it’s still a must-see stop for locals, tourists, and cannabis lovers alike. From Sex Shop to Cannabis Landmark: How Henk de Vries Changed Amsterdam The story of the world’s first coffeeshop doesn’t actually start with cannabis or coffee. It starts with porn. When Henk de Vries inherited his father’s sex shop at No.90 Oudezijds Voorburgwal, he was less than impressed with the business and the kind of customers it attracted. Henk, never one to back down, tried to return the stock, only to be offered a laughable 10% of what he’d paid. True to rebellious form, Henk didn’t just walk away quietly; he made a statement. In a move that would set the tone for everything to come, he dumped the shop’s entire porn collection onto the streets and into the canal. Clearing out the sex shop was just the warm-up act to the main event. Henk was already eyeing something bigger, such as tapping into Amsterdam’s underground energy and helping define its future. And the first spark? It came a few years before the porno debacle at a music festival, of all places. The Festival That Sparked a Cannabis Empire: Kralingse Bos, 1970 Before The Bulldog Amsterdam became the king of coffeeshops, Henk de Vries had a little ‘lightbulb moment’ or maybe we should call it a ‘matchbox moment.’ Flashback to 1970 at the Kralingse Bos Festival in Rotterdam. Picture it: 150,000 people vibing to Jefferson Airplane, Santana, and The Byrds, and somewhere in the haze, there’s Henk, already the guy you wanted to know if you were looking for a good time. Henk had generously supplied his mates with enough grass to keep them floating through the weekend. Then something unexpected happened. Someone tried to sell Henk back his own stash. Most people would laugh it off (or roll one and forget about it), not Henk. Annoyed but inspired, he realised two things: There was a serious demand for quality cannabis. His friends were sneaky and greedy. Without missing a beat, Henk raced back to Amsterdam, scooped up over a kilo of African grass, packed it into empty matchboxes, and drove straight back to the festival. There, perched on a little bridge, he set up shop. He started selling those matchboxes, sparking the idea that would later become The Bulldog Amsterdam empire. Inside the World’s First Coffeeshop: The Bulldog No.90 Opens in 1975 By the time Henk rolled back into Amsterdam after his Kralingse Bos lightbulb moment, one thing was clear: the man wasn’t just slinging grass; he was about to change the game, even if it was to be a few more years before the birth of The Bulldog First. Inspired by the old Dutch teahouses, where you could sip tea for free and “donate” to the house dealer for a bit of hash on the side, Henk figured: why not cut the dance and sell the good stuff over the counter? So in 1975, he took his father’s old sex shop at No.90, cleared out the last dusty VHS tapes, and transformed the place into something totally new: a coffeeshop. And no, we’re not talking flat whites, turmeric lattes, or whatever hipster nonsense came later; this was strictly hash, joints, and maybe a coffee if you remembered to order one. He wanted a spot that felt like a living room, comfy, familiar, where the neighbourhood and the world could meet over a joint. A place with an international vibe and no pretensions. Just cannabis, conversation, and a little bit of controlled chaos. That’s how The Bulldog No.90 and the world’s first coffeeshop was born: part living room, part revolutionary act, part let’s see what we can get away with. It didn’t take long before the place became a magnet for locals, travellers, and the occasional curious cop. The Early Days: Raids, Oranges, and Stash Stools Amsterdam in the ’70s might seem liberal in hindsight, but back then, selling cannabis wasn’t allowed, which meant Henk and his crew were pretty much running a nonstop game of cat and mouse with the police. And oh, did the police come to play. In its first year, The Bulldog got raided so often it could’ve handed out loyalty cards. We’re talking up to 1,000 police raids in that first year alone, sometimes five times a day. Picture 20–30 officers storming in, grabbing the stash, hauling customers off to the cells at Leidseplein, and handing out fines like confetti. Here’s the thing: customers would be back at The Bulldog an hour or so later, fine in hand, ready for round two, and Henk, being the businessman he was, would replace the goods they lost. Try finding that on TripAdvisor: five stars and a fresh eighth Of course, Henk and his crew weren’t about to make it easy for the cops. Whenever a raid was incoming, staff would send an orange rolling down the serving hatch to warn the basement dealers: a little citrus signal to clear
Understanding Cannabis Genetics: What’s the difference between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids
When shopping for cannabis seeds online, you’ve probably noticed the terms indica, sativa and hybrid and wondered what the difference is. And it’s a good question. With so many cannabis seeds to choose from, understanding cannabis genetics is essential. Using those three terms or plant classifications supports growers in making informed decisions. Cannabis seeds aren’t just flashy packaging and cool branding; they are developed on generations of plant genetics that decide everything from aroma and THC content to flavour to plant size and the high you can expect. We use the labels indica, sativa and hybrid to describe the dominant traits of a strain. Typically, indicas are known for relaxing body effects, and sativas tend to bring creativity and energy. At the same time, hybrids balance the best of both. In this blog, we will break down the difference between indica, sativa and hybrids, how these genetics shape their growth and effects and how to find the ideal cannabis seed for you. Whether you’re new to growing or just want to learn more about what you’re rolling up, TB Seeds has got you covered. Table of Contents Did you Know? The labels indica and sativa no longer define cannabis plants in a botanical sense but are still used as valuable indicators of the potential effects of a plant. Due to generations of crossbreeding, nearly all strains are now technically a hybrid. Still, the labels are still helpful in describing a strain’s dominant traits, such as high-energy sativa or couch lock indica. The labels indica and sativa no longer define cannabis plants in a botanical sense but are still used as valuable indicators of the potential effects of a plant. Due to generations of crossbreeding, nearly all strains are now technically a hybrid. Still, the labels are still helpful in describing a strain’s dominant traits, such as high-energy sativa or couch lock indica. What are Cannabis Genetics? Cannabis genetics refers to the inherited characteristics passed down from parent plants. These genetic traits influence everything in some form, from plant height and growth structure (tall and lanky vs short and bushy). Genetics dictate the flowering time of a plant (short vs long), the yield size, a plant’s resistance to pests, mould, and disease and how well it copes with environmental stress such as harsh weather. Genetics also influence the fun stuff, like cannabinoid content, terpene profiles, and the overall effect of the high, whether relaxing or energising. Growers and Cannabis Genetics Genetics allow growers to predict how a plant might behave and how it will perform in different conditions. (indoor vs outdoor, warm vs cold). For consumers, labelling genetics helps inform the experience (creative stimulation, pain relief or relaxation and a good night’s sleep). Modern cannabis crossbreeding has created a whole new range of hybrid cannabis strains. Hybrid strains offer more balanced effects than traditional Indica or Sativa varieties. They combine the best traits of the two and produce strains with more balanced effects. This preference for more balanced highs has led to hybrid strains dominating seedbanks. Thanks to selective breeding, breeders are more able to target the traits they or the market desire most. For example, you might cross a sativa with a fast-flowering indica to get a hybrid that finishes faster than a sativa but still delivers the same type of high, only more balanced. Indica Indica-Dominant Indica Genetics: Compact and Fast-Flowering Indica cannabis strains hail from regions such as The Hindu Kush Valley, which weaves between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Some of the most famous strains ever descend from indica genetics, and a few pure 100% indica strains are on the market. They are known as Landrace cannabis strains. A landrace grows naturally, adapting to its environment, and there are both indica and sativa landraces. Still, they are found in opposite parts of the world. Growing Characteristics of Indica Cannabis Strains Indicas grow short (around 1 metre); they form a compact and bushy structure. They produce wide, dark green leaves, develop dense resin-laden flowers, and typically flower in 7-9 weeks. Indicas are ideal for indoor growing but will perform well outdoors due to their resilience and hardy nature. Effects of Indica Cannabis Strains The effects of indica cannabis strains typically include calm, body-heavy effects. They are famous for providing deep relaxation and the infamous couch-lock effect. They are popular with medical patients and those treating pain and seeking muscle relief. For these reasons, it’s common for consumers to indulge in indica strains at night. Still, reports from growers with ADHD indicate Indicas can be effective during the day. Indica Genetics: Compact and Fast-Flowering Indica cannabis strains hail from regions such as The Hindu Kush Valley, which weaves between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Some of the most famous strains ever descend from indica genetics, and a few pure 100% indica strains are on the market. They are known as Landrace cannabis strains. A landrace grows naturally, adapting to its environment, and there are both indica and sativa landraces. Still, they are found in opposite parts of the world. Growing Characteristics of Indica Cannabis Strains Indicas grow short (around 1 metre); they form a compact and bushy structure. They produce wide, dark green leaves, develop dense resin-laden flowers, and typically flower in 7-9 weeks. Indicas are ideal for indoor growing but will perform well outdoors due to their resilience and hardy nature. Effects of Indica Cannabis Strains The effects of indica cannabis strains typically include calm, body-heavy effects. They are famous for providing deep relaxation and the infamous couch-lock effect. They are popular with medical patients and those treating pain and seeking muscle relief. For these reasons, it’s common for consumers to indulge in indica strains at night. Still, reports from growers with ADHD indicate Indicas can be effective during the day. Indica cannabis strains hail from regions such as The Hindu Kush Valley, which weaves between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Some of the most famous strains ever descend from indica genetics, and a few pure 100% indica strains are
Mastering pH Level: Mills Nutrients x The Bulldog Seeds
Mills and The Bulldog Seeds are back with another growing essential: mastering pH levels. Getting the pH level of any growing medium is just as crucial as getting the proper nutrients, lighting, and airflow. pH determines how well your plants take on board and absorb nutrients. Too low or too high, your plants will lose key nutrients, leading to deficiencies and stunted growth. The Mills Master Grower method ensures optimal nutrient uptake by varying pH levels rather than sticking to one fixed value. Here’s how to do it right in soil, coco, and hydroponic setups. pH for Growing in Soil (Optimal Range: 6.0 – 6.5) Why Vary pH when growing cannabis? Macro and micronutrients absorb best at different pH levels. A slight variation prevents nutrient lockout and buildup and helps get the most from your plants. The Master Grower pH Cycle for Soil  Water with nutrients at pH 6.0  Next watering: Only water (no nutrients) at pH 6.3 Then, feed with nutrients at pH 6.5 Followed by another watering (no nutrients) at pH 6.3 Repeat this cycle throughout the entire grow Master Grow Bonus Tip: Water plants regularly without nutrients to prevent the soil’s buildup of salts and minerals. pH for Growing in Coco & Hydroponics (Optimal Range: 5.5 – 6.0) Why adjust pH Once a Week when growing cannabis? Coco and hydro growers typically keep pH between 5.5 and 6.0, but raising pH to 6.5 once a week helps unlock a broader range of nutrients. The Master Grower pH Cycle for Coco & Hydro Water with nutrients at pH 5.5 Next watering: Only water at pH 5.8 Then, feed with nutrients at pH 6.5 (once a week to maximise absorption) Followed by another watering (no nutrients) at pH 5.8 Repeat this cycle throughout the entire grow Does Water Temperature Matter? Yes, like with the general temperature of your growing environment, if you get the temperature of the water you use wrong, it can cause issues with plant health. Do not use lukewarm water—it doesn’t rain lukewarm outside. Ideal water temperature: 20°C is ideal for optimal root health and plant oxygen levels. Mills Nutrients Master Grower x Bulldog Seeds The Mills Master Grow tips are based on years of experience and expertise. Follow this guide for maximum nutrient uptake and grow stronger, healthier plants. Whether in soil, coco or hydro, getting the pH level right is vital to getting the most from your harvest. Master pH levels. Master your grow. Grow your legend with Mills x Bulldog Seeds.
Enzymes: Modern Cultivation and Plant Health
The road to healthier, high-yielding plants and higher-quality nutrients has led growers to learn more about the science of growing, particularly plant metabolism and nutrition. But that means you need to understand how to improve plant performance. The best place to start is with enzymes, which are probably the most effective tool for plant nutrition. Enzymes are the biological catalysts that break down organic matter, improve nutrient availability and encourage healthy roots. Understanding enzymes’ role is crucial to improving plant performance regardless of the medium you grow in, whether it’s soil, hydroponics or coco. What Are Enzymes? Enzymes are proteins in the plant that trigger biochemical reactions without being consumed. They are what break down the complex materials a plant needs to support the roots and absorb maximum nutrients. The Role of Enzymes: What do Enzymes do? Break down dead plant matter: Plants not only shed leaves but roots. This leaves behind debris that is broken down by the enzymes through decomposition. The breaking down of the debris prevents root rot and the buildup of pathogens. This process keeps the root system clean. Nutrient Efficiency: Enzymes help our plants get the most from nutrients. They work by breaking up nutrients into friendly sizes. Support Soil and Substrate Health: Enzymes work to promote microbe activity that is beneficial for plants. The enzymes reduce harmful organic residue and waste buildup. Increases Stress Resistance When plants suffer from drought, overwatering, or changes in feeding, enzymes help them deal with stress. Enzymes increase stress resistance by supporting stronger root and shoot development. Organic Recycling Recycling isn’t just something humans do. Plants do it as well. Enzymes recycle by speeding up the breakdown of compost and other organic materials. The breakdown releases nutrients bound in the soil, an essential component in supporting plants that are not up taking nutrients. Enzymes Used in Growing: Cellulase  (Breaks down cellulose in dead roots) Protease  (Converts proteins into amino acids.) Lipase  (Decomposes fats and oils in soil and hydroponics.) Amylase (Breaks down starches into sugars for microbial growth). How Do Growers Use Enzymes? Common ways growers use enzymes to support plant health and performance include root cleansers or supplements paired with microbial additives and during flushing to remove salt buildup. Conclusion: The more you know, the better you grow, and now you know enzymes play a crucial role in modern growing. They improve plant growth, nutrient efficiency and substrate health. No matter if you grow organic, hydro or traditional soil farming, enzymes help plants thrive. Enzyme supplements can enhance root health, boost yields, and optimise the nutrient cycle.
