Hello, first post, couple questions

Hello everyone, I was surprised to find a page like this. Doesn't the gov try and shut things like this down? Well I guess not. I love the internet. anyhow I have a couple of questions. My plant is doing alright, I found a seed in this dank cron, and well... it finally motivated me to do what Ive always wanted to do! and thats supply myself with good medicinal quality cannabis! it is not quite legal in my state for medicinal purposes so I get this shit off the streets (usually shwag, (I live in a one horse town)) and it makes me feel worse sometimes rather than better..... anyhow thats not the point, I have about 3.5 feet of growing space (that is without the light) and I am wondering How soon should I wait to flower. My plant is at about 9 inches rite now. I would hate to put in all this effort that I have done so far to be dissapointed with a male plant! annd my other question is, Is it wise to clone a plant during its flowering stage... I mean I DO NOT want to upset that sycle at all! Thanks everyone and um...

smoke weed everyday! ((HEHE, I had to say it))

The best clones are taken from the bottom third of the plant. This is done because the leaves are larger and stronger, and by removing the bottom leaves more light and air can get to the lower part of the plant, making more budsites and giving a higher yield. Pick a plant that has been in the vegetative stage for at least 6 - 8 weeks.