Pubdate: Tue, 07 Jan 2014
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Kevin Bissett
Page: A4

DOPE-SMOKING MOUNTIE DEEMED FIT FOR ASSAULT TRIAL

FREDERICTON, N.B.- A New Brunswick Mountie who attracted national
attention for complaining that he wasn't allowed to smoke medicinal
marijuana for his post-traumatic stress disorder while in uniform has
been deemed fit to stand trial on charges of assaulting two RCMP
officers, the Crown and defence said Monday. Cpl. Ron Francis, who
faces two counts of assaulting police and one count of resisting
arrest, was released from custody after he underwent a 30-day
psychiatric assessment. Francis was ordered to follow conditions
including that he refrain from alcohol and non-prescription drugs,
report to a local mental health clinic and not possess firearms. The
psychiatric assessment was not dealt with in court, but both Crown and
defence lawyers later confirmed that Francis was considered mentally
fit to face trial. The case was adjourned until Feb. 4.

In November, Francis returned his red serge on orders from his
superiors but accused the RCMP and the federal government of not doing
enough to support officers with posttraumatic stress disorder. The
RCMP said officers who are prescribed marijuana should not be in red
serge or regular uniform while taking their medication as it would not
portray the right message.

Burke said the RCMP's position doesn't make sense.

"If he is sitting on his back deck and smoking a joint, off-duty,
people are going to have that same perception unless they understand
why he has been prescribed marijuana."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt