Canadian Mountie who smoked marijuana in uniform accused of assault

A Canadian Mountie who gained widespread attention last month when photographed smoking medicinal marijuana in uniform is charged with assaulting a colleague. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Tuesday it had confirmed Cpl. Ron Francis of the Fredericton detachment in New Brunswick was arrested Friday and remained in custody following a weekend court appearance. Francis, a 21-year RCMP veteran, is to undergo a 30-day psychiatric assessment to determine whether he can be held responsible for the assault charge and is to be back in court Jan. 6, the CBC said. Francis was prescribed marijuana Nov. 4 for his work-related post-traumatic stress disorder and contends he should be allowed to smoke it while in uniform. His public inhalation took place against his supervisors' wishes. His regular uniform seized Nov. 28 and he turned in his red serge uniform the following day, as instructed, the CBC said. RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson told Canadian lawmakers last week Francis had been discouraged from going public.