Franck Montagny tests [positive for

[Dare]

Maybe I'm wrong but is it fair to lose a career over
one slip



http://www.auto123.com/en/racing-news/former-formula-1-driver-franck-montagny-tests-positive-for-cocaine-derivative?artid=173868&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social-media&utm_campaign=racing

[Ian]

If you use drugs be prepared to pay the penalty, no sympathy. It's much easier to just say NO

[Alianora La Canta]

Technically, the ban for Franck cannot be longer than two years (if he'd been caught yesterday or later, it could have been a four-year ban as the limit changed on January 1). Of course, in practise, sponsors may not be willing to back Franck if they are worried he might return to drug-taking, or if they think there will be bad associations if they sponsor him.

At least Franck is not going to try arguing the point. I hope this means he will use this as a turning point and start living a drug-free lifestyle.

[Scott]

Ok, it's the new year, time for a little rant. 

I don't like it when they heap in all 'drugs' together.  It's a bit like saying anyone who ever drinks must be an alcoholic.  Montagny has been caught under the influence of a derivative of cocaine, a very addictive neurological stimulant, considered quite dangerous by the medical community.

There is such a huge range of recreational drugs though, and of those, I am a non-frequent user of cannabinoids.  I would in almost any situation prefer a little reefer or vaporized hash oil over a beer or glass of wine if one or the other was called for.  In my present situation - work life, family, geography - I am only realistically able to partake once or twice a year, but those of us who prefer THC to alcohol can finally see the sun on the horizon, as many countries are finally coming to the reality that Cannabis in comparison to alcohol is a much safer recreational stimulant.  I don't really want to get into the whole debate of what its effects are in comparison to alcohol, in fact I would suggest that I more often take the 'stay real' route and enjoy no stimulant other than my beloved caffeine, but I can only say that my personal preference is Cannabis, and I must say that of the people I know who might be found using both, I much prefer their company while they are under the influence of THC rather than alcohol.  And as a hotel/restaurant owner, I can tell you there is FAR less mess to clean up after someone who has had too much THC rather than someone who has had too much alcohol.

There, rant over.  Roll 'em if you got 'em...   

Say no to some drugs, and you know what?  It never hurts to say no to alcohol.  Have a coffee. 

[Ian]

Although this is gonna sound hypocritical after my 1st post on this, I have been known to partake of the reefer (and thoroughly enjoy it.)

I agree Scott, much more enjoyable to be in the company of friends who have shared a couple of joints rather than too much alcohol.

[Scott]

There we are...turn knob, step out of closet, stretch arms...and feel better. 

Depending on which studies you want to look at, generally accepted numbers are that around 25-30% of Canadians are casual to regular users of marijuana, while more than 50% have tried it in their lifetime.  And those who support legalization in Canada is approaching 70%.  I had enough surprises in my youth, finding out that friends parents had stashes that their kids knew about, or little hidden roach ashtrays...often they were adults you never imagined would - one doctor, a lawyer and an architect to point out a few...we even got caught once in the garage of the architect while we were smoking one and instead of him freaking out, he joined us (from that moment on, the coolest parent on the block).

[J.Clark]

Certainly, he should be applauded for the confession and the 'head-hanging' of his own volition.  I always find it appalling when people are caught red-handed and then go through the whole 'I'm innocent' routine, as it speaks volumes about their character.  Montagny's character is bolstered by this.

Rules are rules however, and as is normally the case, there are consequences.  More of his character shines through his admission that he knows it could end his chances in motor racing.

I hope he won't quit, never to return, as a result.

I fully understand the issue of lumping all drugs into a single category for the purpose of punishment creating some problems, but I also believe that a dotted line in the sand is not actually a line at all.  The question then becomes more of a, how far from the water's edge should the line be drawn?

[cosworth151]

Montagny's use of the phrase "a derivative of cocaine" caught my eye. I wonder if it was a commercial prescription drug of some kind. In any case, I hope we see him back in a race car soon.

The prohibition on marijuana is rapidly being thrown out by the voters over here in the States. It may be on the ballot here in Ohio later this year. All in all, I'd say it is less harmful than my dark Jamaican rum & cigars.

[Scott]

I fully understand the issue of lumping all drugs into a single category for the purpose of punishment creating some problems, but I also believe that a dotted line in the sand is not actually a line at all.  The question then becomes more of a, how far from the water's edge should the line be drawn?

Can't agree more, but then lets put marijuana where it belongs, on your shelf with the Rosemary, Thyme and Dill.  After all it really is just a little herb.

[J.Clark]

I'm not a doctor, but I don't know the results may be of smoking some of them.  I know there is a great deal of controversy over mj though.

[Dare]

I'm not a doctor, but I don't know the results may be of smoking some of them.  I know there is a great deal of controversy over mj though.

How healthy is inhaling marijuana smoke and holding
it in your lungs?Think I'll pass on it.

[cosworth151]

In that case, may I recommend the brownies? 

Seriously, the prohibition on marijuana has been an even bigger disaster that the prohibition on alcohol was.

[Dare]

In that case, may I recommend the brownies? 

Seriously, the prohibition on marijuana has been an even bigger disaster that the prohibition on alcohol was.

I don't really need to be high to face the day,although at
times I think it might help.

[John S]

Sorry to spoil the party but drugs and driving, like drink & driving, just don't mix. 

If you are a professional driver, racing or otherwise, you deserve to get banned for a long time.  It's not just their own life they're risking - and since it's their job they should know better.

The link below from our good old NHS makes it clear there is plenty of evidence to show drug taking and motoring are a real No No, especially MJ.
In other sports the drug takers are just cheating the system - and maybe risking there own long term health, in Motor Racing drug takers are risking many others immediate health. 

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/drugged-driving

 

[Scott]

Sorry John, the tangent my post took this thread wasn't about driving under the influence.  More about lumping everything under the heading of 'drugs'.  I don't think any of us would suggest that driving under the influence of THC is any better than alcohol.