Toronto Man Acquitted After Cannabis‑Induced Choking Attack
A Toronto resident, Ahmed Baig, was acquitted of assault charges after a 2023 incident in which he choked a seven‑year‑old girl while under the influence of a new cannabis vape. Psychiatric testimony linked his actions to cannabis‑induced psychosis and sleep deprivation, leading the judge to rule t…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On August 2, 2023, a seven‑year‑old girl was attacked in a Toronto driveway. The assailant, Ahmed Baig, a 38‑year‑old resident of a multi‑generational home, was found naked, wearing only a towel, after vaping a brand of cannabis he had never used before. He chased the family, grabbed the child, threw her to the ground, punched her and strangled her before fleeing. Police arrested him shortly thereafter, and he was charged with assault causing bodily harm and assault by choking.
Legal Proceedings and Psychiatric Evidence
Baig pleaded not guilty, arguing that a cannabis‑induced psychosis rendered his actions involuntary. The court heard testimony from two psychiatrists and a sleep expert. The first expert concluded that Baig was experiencing either cannabis‑induced psychosis, sleepwalking, or a combination of both, exacerbated by significant sleep deprivation from sleep apnea. The second psychiatrist found that Baig did not meet the criteria for Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) because he lacked a diagnosed mental disorder, but did acknowledge that his psychotic state was distinct from simple intoxication and impaired his capacity to appreciate the nature and wrongfulness of his actions.
Justice Mara Greene, presiding over the case, noted that the Crown had argued Baig’s acts were still volitional despite his intoxication. She ultimately found that Baig had proven on the balance of probabilities that he acted as an automaton during the attack, satisfying the legal standard for an involuntary act. The judge emphasized that Baig had voluntarily consumed cannabis, experienced an unexpected reaction, and was in a psychotic state that rendered his actions involuntary.
Context of the Incident
Baig had a history of anxiety and sleepwalking. Prior to the incident, he had used cannabis to manage anxiety but had never experienced a reaction of this severity. On the day of the attack, he was alone at home, felt anxious, and turned to a new vape strain recommended by a store. Instead of alleviating his anxiety, the substance intensified it, leading to a psychotic episode. Baig’s wife was called to come home, and he later went to bed. The next memory he recalled was being in a police cell and being fingerprinted.
The attack was captured on video surveillance, showing Baig shouting nonsensical statements, including references to Allah, billionaires, bitcoin, and lotteries. He also said both “I will kill you” and “I won’t kill you.” Despite his incoherence, Baig complied with police commands to drop to the ground and later appeared more coherent at the station.
Outcome and Future Implications
On June 12, 2024, the judge acquitted Baig of both assault charges, citing his involuntary state. The judge also determined that the risk of recurrence was low, noting that Baig had used cannabis intermittently since age 15 without similar incidents, had no substance abuse issues, and had not used cannabis since his arrest. Consequently, the court ruled that oversight by the Ontario Review Board was unnecessary to protect the public.
While the acquittal may appear unsatisfying to some, the court underscored that the law protects individuals who are not criminally responsible for violent acts. The case highlights the complexities of intoxication defenses and the importance of psychiatric evaluation in criminal proceedings.
Key facts
- Ahmed Baig acquitted after cannabis‑induced psychosis led to choking attack
- Psychiatrists linked incident to new vape strain and sleep deprivation
- Judge ruled attack was involuntary, meeting automaton defense
- Low recurrence risk; no need for public protection oversight
- Highlights complexities of intoxication defenses and cannabis use for anxiety
Why it matters
The verdict illustrates how courts balance intoxication defenses with public safety, and it raises awareness about the potential dangers of untested cannabis strains for anxiety sufferers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the automaton defense?
A legal doctrine where an accused is found not guilty because their actions were involuntary due to a mental disorder or extreme intoxication.
Does cannabis use for anxiety increase risk of violent incidents?
While rare, certain strains or high doses can trigger psychosis, especially in individuals with sleep disorders or anxiety.
What happens after an acquittal based on involuntary action?
The accused is not criminally liable, but may still face civil liability or other legal consequences depending on the case.
Sources
- [1] nationalpost.com — originally reported as “Toronto man acquitted in cannabis-induced choking attack on young girl”
