The accused was charged with second degree murder after admitting to causing the death of the victim.
The defence raised not criminally responsible (NCR) by reason of mental disorder under s. 16 of the Criminal Code.
The court found that the accused suffered from Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorder exacerbated by prolonged substance use, and that his internal predisposition — including a vulnerable brain, prior episodes of psychosis, and features of borderline and antisocial personality disorder — contributed causally to his mental state at the time of the offence.
Applying the holistic approach from R. v. Stone and R. v. Bouchard-Lebrun, the court found the drug-induced psychosis constituted a disease of the mind and that the continuing danger factor was satisfied.
A verdict of not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder was entered.
