Claire Hughes is reporting in the Times Union New Yorkers wishing to legally purchase marijuana for medical purposes in 2016 can now apply online to the state's Medical Marijuana Patient Certification and Registration System. The site launched Wed., Dec. 23. Marijuana is expected to be available for purchase from five licensed producers statewide. To qualify, a person must be diagnosed with specific severe, debilitating or life-threatening conditions. Patients must be certified by a doctor who has completed an online course to participate in the program. Patient advocate Julie Netherland, deputy state director for the Drug Policy Alliance, said the online system is launching late and it seems unlikely patients will be able to enroll by the scheduled start date of January 7. Netherland also said a number of questions remain about "how truly accessible the program will be to patients in need." Read the full story in the Times Union.