When Jade Clements started smoking cannabis at 13, she thought it was harmless fun.
But the schoolgirl quickly became hooked on the class B drug and started smoking five joints every day for two years.
Shockingly, Jade, now 18, has been left with permanent brain damage as a result of her addiction. The once A grade student now suffers from memory loss, forgets words and struggles with basic mental arithmetic.
Jade – who has now kicked her habit – says: “I was so hooked I was smoking cannabis as soon as I woke up.
“It has destroyed my life, I had no idea how dangerous it is.
“Before I started smoking it I was top of the class. I loved maths and hoped to become a teacher. Now I suffer from memory blanks and struggle to pronounce basic words. I’m devastated I’ve damaged my brain.”
I still feel guilty for what I put my family through
Jade – who volunteers for Fixers and gives talks to those struggle with addictions – is now rebuilding her life and after finishing her A levels, hopes to go to university to train as a counsellor.
The schoolgirl’s hard work and campaigning has seen her win awards for raising awareness about the dangers of Cannabis.
But humble Jade just wants to help others.
She explains: “I want young people to know that this drug is not just a bit of fun – it can have a serious impact on your life.
“I’ve done permanent damage to my health but if I can stop other teens going through what I’ve been through, I’ll feel as though I’ve achieved something.”
Jade made this video with the charity, to help others see the effects of Cannabis.
You can read more about Jade’s battle with addiction, and her journey to recovery, in this week’s Closer – out today.
*Fixers is a national charity that supports 16 to 25-year-olds to tackle any issue that matters to them, however they choose. *
The only proviso is that their campaign must benefit at least one other person.