As to deformed plants I had a plant that grew really weird (pic 1 below) It actually 4 single leaves making a cross shape leaf. Then it branched from below that top growth and I ended up getting this to grow! (pic 2 below)
As time progressed it produced these 2 main cola bud (pic 3+4 below). This was my first grow also, I could have done more to make this a better yield but I didn't want to mess anything up the first time.....But as for deformities, what's the age ol' saying, "Shit happens!"