Quote Originally Posted by 420amsdude
there aren't that many male pods (the little balls) on the plant, so I wouldn't mind picking it off but would that cause my plant to stress or even die?
No but miss just one.........it is a PIA. If it is the only plant you have, pick the pods, it will not stress the plant. You will probably miss some, I would err on the side of early harvest if you see seeds.

If you have other plants, kill the sob and chalk it up to experience/education.