Lawmakers in California have introduced a new bill geared towards cannabis companies. Assembly Bill 953 was introduced on February 21st. This new piece of legislation would allow cannabis-related businesses to pay taxes and fees in digital currency—more specifically, in stablecoins.

Assembly Bill 953

If passed, Assembly Bill 953 would allow all California-based tax offices (state, city, and county) to accept stablecoins as a form of payment. Cannabis companies would be able to pay their cultivation taxes with stablecoins. At this time, a specific stablecoin has not been identified, and it remains unknown if all forms of stablecoins will be accepted.

Assembly Bill 953 wouldn’t go into effect until January 1st, 2020, if it is approved at all.

Currently, the state of California imposes a 15% state excise tax on cannabis and cannabis products. Often, cannabis companies owe a large tax amount at the start of each year.

Another issue many cannabis businesses have run into is securing simple financing services from banks. There are a few states that have legalized the use of recreational cannabis, but it is deemed illegal under federal law. Most banks are secured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and won’t finance ‘illegal’ activity.