: These actions set up a closely watched court battle over whether such "clubs" have legal standing under New York law. Current Status and Locations
Empire Cannabis Club operates as a private, nonprofit concierge service. This model was designed to navigate New York's early cannabis laws by claiming that they do not "sell" marijuana, but rather provide it as a benefit of a paid membership. empirecannabisclub
As of early 2026, the status of individual locations is mixed, with some marked as permanently closed following state enforcement. Manhattan Cannabis Chain Raided by Police and State Agents : These actions set up a closely watched
: In July 2023, state agents and police conducted a significant raid on Empire’s Manhattan locations as part of a crackdown on hundreds of unlicensed dispensaries. As of early 2026, the status of individual
: Customers pay a daily, weekly, or monthly membership fee (e.g., $15 for a day pass or $35 monthly) to access the club's "concierge" services.
: The club claims it merely facilitates the acquisition of cannabis on behalf of its members, rather than acting as a traditional retailer.