ya, lst is good, and i use both methods. topping does slow down the growth for a bit, but i grow outdoors, so i have a long veg period regardless. i have also, broken branches, on accident of course, and the plant would recover fine. last year i split a plant almost in two, it was only hanging on by a thread, then i just tied it togather. the plant heald up good, but later caught some type of diesese, which i blame on the injury.