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Square Dropped Your Smoke Shop? Here's How to Keep Taking Cards
If Square or another processor dropped your smoke, vape, or CBD shop, or you're worried about the dates coming up, Empire Payment Solutions can help. We can still board many smoke shops: we look at your full product mix up front, help you find a processing fit, and set up a free terminal for qualifying merchants. Approval isn't guaranteed and depends on underwriting, but you'll get clear, straightforward answers on a quick call.
Why smoke shops are getting dropped
Many shops are being dropped or are looking for new processors right now. Here's what's sourced:
- Square's CBD/hemp change. In an August 2026 email reported by Marijuana Moment, Square told sellers that selling CBD and hemp-derived products "online or in person" "will no longer be permitted on Square's platform," and asked them to remove those items from their catalogs by October 15, 2026. The email said accounts stay open for non-CBD products. (Marijuana Moment)
- Federal hemp definition changes. According to the Congressional Research Service, the new federal definition of hemp was originally set for November 12, 2026. A later law delayed most of it to December 11, 2026. The part excluding cannabinoids that can't be naturally produced by the cannabis plant still takes effect November 12, 2026. (CRS In Focus IF13136 · CRS Legal Sidebar LSB11496)
- Category reviews. Payment platforms review accounts against their own business restrictions and can hold transfers while they verify an account. (Square Support: business restrictions)
This is a summary of the sources above, not legal advice. Federal and state rules can change. Check with your own counsel about your products.
What Empire offers
- We can still board many smoke shops. We help eligible smoke, vape, and CBD/hemp shops find a processing fit. Approval isn't guaranteed: it's subject to underwriting, and your product mix matters.
- Your full product list, reviewed up front. Tobacco, vape, glass, accessories, and any hemp or CBD items are disclosed from the start, so there are no surprises later.
- Dual Pricing as an option. Post a card price and a cash price, so the card price covers the cost of taking cards. State rules vary.
- Free terminal for qualifying merchants.
- We don't raise your rates.
- Real support. One dedicated specialist and free phone support, owner-operated from Gouverneur, NY and serving shops nationwide.
What to have ready to apply
- Government-issued ID for each owner
- EIN and business formation documents
- A voided check or bank letter for the business account
- Your state and local tobacco or vape retail licenses
- Your complete product list, including any hemp or CBD items and their lab reports (COAs)
- Recent processing statements, if you take cards today
- Any closure or restriction notice from your previous processor
- Your website, if you have one, with refund, shipping, and privacy policies
Already approved? Lower what you pay
Once you're processing, the same savings tools apply to smoke shops: know what you pay, cut junk fees, and consider Dual Pricing. See How to lower your processing fees, Am I overpaying?, and our free statement review.
Talk to Empire today
Lost your processor, or worried about the October, November, and December changes? Call us and we'll talk through your product mix and options. There's no hard sell and no obligation.
FAQ
Square dropped my smoke shop. What should I do?
Save your sales history, catalog, and customer lists, and get the closure reason and any held-funds details in writing. Then apply with a processor that knows your full product mix. Empire can still board many smoke shops. Approval isn't guaranteed and depends on underwriting and what you sell. Call (888) 991-7729.
What is a good Square alternative for a smoke shop?
Look for a dedicated merchant account where your products are disclosed and reviewed up front, rather than an account that may be reviewed later. Empire helps eligible smoke, vape, and CBD/hemp shops find a processing fit, with a free terminal for qualifying merchants.
Square shut off my account over CBD or vape. Can I still take cards?
Many shops in that situation are looking for new processors. Square's August notice told sellers to remove CBD and hemp-derived items by October 15, 2026. Empire can still board many smoke shops, subject to underwriting and product mix, so call us to talk through yours.
What is a smoke shop merchant account?
It's a card processing account approved with your actual product mix in mind: tobacco, vape, glass, accessories, and any hemp or CBD items. Disclosing everything up front helps keep the account stable.
Do smoke shops need a high-risk merchant account?
Many processors treat smoke, vape, and CBD shops as a higher-risk category because of age restrictions and changing product rules. That means closer underwriting, not that you can't be approved. Empire walks you through the application.
Can Empire set up vape shop credit card processing?
Yes, for eligible vape shops. We help find a processing fit for in-store sales, set up your terminal, and offer Dual Pricing as an option. Approval isn't guaranteed and depends on underwriting and product mix.
What's changing with federal hemp rules?
According to the Congressional Research Service, a new federal hemp definition was delayed: most of it now takes effect December 11, 2026, while the exclusion of cannabinoids that can't be naturally produced by the cannabis plant takes effect November 12, 2026. Check with your own counsel about your products. This is not legal advice.
Schedule a free phone consultation
Leave your name and number and we'll call you to explain how Dual Pricing works for your business. It takes about 5 minutes, there's nothing to send beforehand, and if you'd like, we'll compare your current statement when we talk.