Canna Planet acquires Beleaf cannabis dispensary in Calverton

A new owner is rolling into the North Fork’s first recreational dispensary this fall.

Canna Planet, an upstate New York cannabis retail chain, has acquired all three Beleaf locations, including the Calverton dispensary at 4462 Middle Country Road that opened in 2024, according to Beleaf Calverton general manager Christian Shilling.

Canna Planet, led by CEO Parth Patel and members of his family, operates more than 11 stores across the Hudson Valley and Catskills, with its flagship location in Middletown. The family is also behind Beer World, an independent beer retailer founded by Sonny Patel in the 1990s.

The Calverton store will be Canna Planet’s first Long Island location. Mr. Shilling said the full transition from Beleaf to Canna Planet should be completed sometime this fall. 

Canna Planet describes itself as a “luxury” cannabis dispensary centered around cutting-edge 
technology, fostering community relationships, cultivating a welcoming customer experience and promoting education and wellness, according to the company’s website. 

The Riverhead News-Review reached out to Canna Planet for comment. 

For customers, the most noticeable changes may come inside the store.

Beleaf offers a wide selection of tinctures, vape cartridges, edibles and pre-rolled joints. There are also cannabis-infused sparkling waters, seltzer and other beverages, including cold brew coffee.

Since opening, the Calverton dispensary has emphasized customer service and education through its “budtenders,” who help customers navigate products and answer questions. It also offers express kiosks for customers who prefer a self-service option.

Under Canna Planet, Mr. Shilling said the store will lean further into that digital model.

“We are going to be transitioning to more of a kiosk, self-serve environment,” Mr. Shilling said. “There’s going to be much more focus on digital menus, interactive kiosks, as opposed to having a discussion directly with the budtender.”

The store’s product mix, including local brands already sold there, is not expected to change significantly, he said.

Mr. Shilling said Canna Planet will also have an upgraded bud bar, a clear display allowing customers to examine and smell cannabis flower products. The new version will include a digital screen with product information and an option for customers to add items directly to their carts.

The new owners also want to host more events to connect with local customers and community organizations. Canna Planet also offers a loyalty program through which customers can earn points for discounts, birthday perks and other member benefits.

Mr. Shilling said Beleaf has operated “quietly and without issue” for the last couple of years, while hosting events and partnering with organizations including Kent Animal Shelter.

He said he is particularly proud of helping introduce the legal recreational cannabis market to the East End.

“I started my career at Columbia Care when they opened the medical marijuana dispensary 10 years ago in Riverhead,” Mr. Shilling said. “It was kind of real rewarding for me to be able to come back to Riverhead again and open a recreational dispensary, and continue to be able to service the community in that way.”