I usually start checking the trichs around the 6 week mark and then keep checking them every couple of days, Once I start seeing signs of colour change, I then usually wait until I've got about 50%/60% amber trichs. At this point I only take the bigger buds towards the tops, as usually the lower parts are not ready. So once the tops are taken, I then strip the plants down to the lower buds and allow them to continue for another couple of weeks.

I usually end up with some serious head bending gear from the first lot of cuts and then some more milder gear from the rest, I also try to use every part of the plant thats been produced, as I don't like to see waste. I find the foliage towards thge last couple of weeks, makes some seriously nice brownies.