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Accused acquitted of violent assault due to non-mental disorder automatism from cannabis-induced psychosis.
The accused was charged with assault causing bodily harm and assault by choking after running naked into the street and attacking a seven-year-old child.
The accused had consumed a new strain of cannabis to alleviate anxiety, resulting in a severe psychotic episode.
The court found that the accused's actions were involuntary due to non-mental disorder automatism.
The court further concluded that the accused was not barred from raising this defence under s. 33.1 of the Criminal Code, as his consumption of cannabis did not constitute a marked departure from the standard of care.
The accused was acquitted.
