"Not meaning any disrespect for the fallen officers, but what the hell are they still chasing cannibus growers and smokers for?"
I'd guess they were enforcing the law - growing pot is still against the law in Canada, and even if the new proposed law decriminalizing possession of small amounts is passed, the same bill increases the penalties for cultivation. And, as this incident shows, while pot users may be pretty peaceful, those who grow the stuff in quantity can be very violent, either in an attempt to protect their operations, or to avoid being caught.
OTOH, if the stuff was completely legalized, these 4 RCMP officers would probably still be alive. I doubt that tougher laws against cultivation will make this problem (of grow operations) go away, it'll just ensure that only the most fearless, dedicated criminals are involved in it.
What makes you say that?
Joe Boucher wanted them to go after the "real" criminals instead -- robbers, murderers, rapists. Those people aren't any more friendly than scumbag drug dealers.
Prohibition's a dangerous game. The officers knew the risks. So it goes.