WHEREAS the drug trade has increased globally in intensity and reach;

AND WHEREAS substance abuse in South Africa has increased rapidly and demands a comprehensive national response;

AND WHEREAS South Africa continues to combat substance abuse through a wide range of programmes in order to reduce supply, demand and harm caused by substances;

AND WHEREAS a uniform law to deal with the prevention of and treatment for substance abuse and the harm associated therewith, the rehabilitation of service users in the various institutions and the reintegration of service users in their communities is urgently required,

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows:—