Dear Ministry of Health,
Official Information Act Request – “Pump the brakes” or Similar Statements by Medsafe Manager
To: OIA Services Team

Subject: Official Information Act Request – “Pump the brakes” or Similar Statements by Medsafe Manager

Tēnā koutou,

Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following information:

Any records, meeting notes, summaries, or correspondence from any meeting, phone call, or discussion since 1 January 2024 in which Chris James, Manager of Medsafe, is recorded or reported to have said “pump the brakes”, or any phrase to similar effect (e.g. “slow things down,” “put the brakes on,” “pause,” “limit approvals,” etc.) in relation to the medicinal cannabis regulatory framework, product approvals, advertising, or market activity.

Any internal or external communications referencing such a statement, particularly in relation to:

The NZ Medicinal Cannabis Council (NZMCC) or its members;
The Ministry for Regulation;
Product advertising guidance or restrictions;
Approvals, licensing, or oversight of products or companies.
If no such records exist, please confirm whether any such statements were made verbally or informally and not documented — and whether this aligns with the Ministry’s record-keeping obligations under the Public Records Act 2005.

Yours faithfully,

Greg marshall