Medical marijuana supporters gather at the state Capitol

Mat Ringley, of York, speaks as medical marijuana supporters hold a press conference, organized by Pennsylvanians For Safe Access, regarding bringing medical marijuana to Pennsylvania, March 14, 2016, at the East Wing Rotunda of the state Capitol in Harrisburg. Dan Gleiter, PennLive.com

The state House on Wednesday approved legalizing medical marijuana, marking the end of a two-and-a-half year effort led by sick people and people caring for sick loved ones. The vote was 149-46.

The new law now only needs the signature of Gov. Tom Wolf, who has promised to sign it.

It's expected to take another 18-24 months to get the program up and running and providing various marijuana-derived medicines for people with 17 conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, assorted neurological and gastrointestinal disorders and autism.