FROM 'GLASS TO GRASS'

Whyte Ave Business First Upshoot Of Decriminalization

A popular Whyte Ave. landmark is turning over a new "leaf" to coincide with
the federal law on marijuana decriminalization.

"I've been following [the marijuana act] very heavily and I've read a lot
of the 2000-page report on decriminalization and it seems like it's going
to be a done deal," says Denyse Doran, co-owner of the Jupiter crystal and
glass shop on 82 Ave and 104 St.

As of this Friday, Jupiter is making the switch from, as Doran says, "glass
to grass" in order to get in on what they see as an emerging mainstream
enterprise and one representing the changing demographic on the avenue.

"We opened the crystal shop ten years ago and it was so busy that we
basically opened our doors and started counting money. It was an incredible
experience," says Doran. "But we noticed a decline in business after the
Canada Day riot. There was a perception that Whyte Avenue was no longer
safe. 'Course, perception is everything."

So, instead of jumping on the surveillance-camera, more-police-on-Whyte
bandwagon, Doran (53) and husband Tom (59), took an "if you can't beat 'em,
join 'em" approach.

"The demographic has changed on Whyte Ave. Now it really is a social area
primarily directed at youth aged 18 to 25," she says.

The Dorans are no strangers to 420 culture. Back in the early '70s Denyse
operated Edmonton's first head shop, The Hippogrif on 101 St. At the same
time Tom, a jazz drummer, was playing gigs at Vancouver's Smilin' Buddha
Cabaret alongside a live comedy act starring the then-unknown Cheech Marin
and Tommy Chong.

The retail veterans have also owned a metaphysical bookstore and coffee
shop in the Strathcona-Garneau area. They will continue to sell vintage
Swarovski crystal beads through their Internet business, make glasswork
items for other specialty stores and create blown-glass pipes for the
Jupiter Cannabis Culture Shop.

As for running the new Jupiter, this time around, Denyse and Tom plan to
let their 28-year-old son, Tom Jr., oversee the operation.

"Because, quite frankly, I don't feel that people want to buy pipes from
their mothers or fathers," laughs Doran.