EL NINO YEAR RAVAGES POT CROP

(Undated)-- It's one loss blamed on El Nino (NEEN'-yoh) that's not covered
by insurance-- the marijuana crop.

Experts in Florida say all the El Nino-related droughts, storms and
wildfires this year have done plenty of damage to pot planters.

State agents say they've found only about half the number of marijuana
plants this growing season. They credit terrible growing conditions.

The state uprooted about 50-thousand plants during the pot season that
normally runs from planting around Good Friday to harvesting now. Agents
say they've also found a larger number of stunted and sickly plants,
withered by drought and heat.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski