Hoping to jump-start a struggling industry, an Illinois medical marijuana business is launching a $1 million marketing campaign — despite a ban on advertising by growers in the state.

Cresco Labs, which plans to open three pot cultivation centers, on Wednesday announced it will spread its message through an outreach campaign that includes print advertising, radio commercials, billboards, social media and notices in health publication.

The ads feature health-related images like a swimmer and a jogger, with messages such as, “Welcome to a state of relief. Medical cannabis. Now growing in Illinois.” The promotions feature the company logo and refer people to more information at crescolabs.com.

Cultivation centers may market to doctors and dispensaries, but Illinois Department of Agriculture regulations state: “Cultivation centers may not advertise through any public medium … designed to market (their) products to the public.” [Read more at the Chicago Tribune]