bombasticson

i experiment with this also... nobody gives a good answer its all preference. i think removing shade leaves helps, especially if it is crowded and they block airflow. also i dont believe that energy is really "stored" in the leaves for later, but some ppl do.

I am doing the same thing and I have been waiting for someone to answer this question directly. I have images up and videos on youtube, I don’t know if they will help but I am with you on this one. I cut mine because I am only using 2x150 HPS lights and I used them from seed to harvest.

Yea, because from what I see when you cut off leaves the newer leaves come out faster its like an explosion, I've been cutting leaves until 3rd week flower and my plant is fine. I believe when you cut off older leaves the plant directs its energy to other things, kind of of like when ppl shave their hair grows back faster. As long as you are giving the plant enough nutes it should hold up.

When you thin out your plants they will thrive. I leave only the very top set as they evap liquid, they serve as a nute elevator for everything below. Go ahead and trim away. Your yields can only improve.