Cova Software Reaffirms Support for Hemp and CBD Retailers as Square Exits Market

Cova Software, a cannabis retail technology provider, is publicly reaffirming its commitment to hemp, CBD, and cannabis retailers after Square told some hemp-focused businesses their accounts will close on November 5, 2026. Cova says its point-of-sale and integrated payments platform is purpose-built for regulated retail and can support retailers through regulatory changes and potential transitions into licensed cannabis markets.

Square's exit from the hemp and CBD market is putting retailers on a deadline, with some hemp-focused businesses told their accounts will close on November 5, 2026, according to Cova Software. The cannabis retail technology company says retailers already navigating federal regulatory changes now face another urgent challenge: finding point-of-sale and payment partners they can count on to keep their businesses running.

Cova Software is positioning itself as that partner, stating it remains committed to compliant hemp, CBD, and cannabis retailers as other providers step away. The company describes its platform as purpose-built for regulated retail, helping businesses navigate evolving federal and state rules, stay operational, and adapt with confidence.

Gary Cohen, CEO of Cova Software, said regulated retailers should not have to wonder whether their technology provider will still support their industry every time the law changes. He said cannabis taught the company early that regulations will evolve, markets will change, and retailers will constantly have to adapt, and that Cova was built for that environment.

Cova combines point of sale and integrated payments to deliver a seamless checkout experience, according to the company. It says retailers can access competitive processing rates without added premiums simply for operating in a high-risk industry. The platform is also designed to adapt as regulations evolve, supporting CBD and hemp retailers today and a potential transition into licensed cannabis retail where legally permitted.

For retailers facing a forced platform change, Cova says the stakes go beyond payment processing. A point-of-sale system holds transaction history, product catalogs, inventory data, and loyalty programs. Cova's implementation and launch team is built to handle that transition directly, helping retailers migrate data, configure their system, train staff, and prepare for launch with minimal disruption to daily operations.

Cova's support model is a central part of what it offers, with in-house support staff based in North America and experienced specifically in cannabis and regulated retail. The company claims an average response time under 30 seconds. A representative said when regulations change or a retailer needs help keeping their business moving, that is when Cova's support team steps up, not an AI bot or a script.

Cova is encouraging hemp and CBD retailers currently on Square, or those concerned about their existing provider's long-term commitment to the category, to begin evaluating alternatives before a forced deadline arrives. The company has published a detailed breakdown of the process so retailers can learn more about switching from Square and preparing their business in advance.

Cova Software says it is trusted by more than 2,200 stores across North America. Its suite of cannabis-compliant solutions includes point of sale, ecommerce, payments, inventory management, and analytics. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, and Denver, CO.