When should I initiate the topping process on my cannabis plants to achieve optimal growth and yield? Is there a specific developmental stage in which the practice of topping yields the best results? Should I consider the overall health, vigor, and genetic predisposition of my plants before making this critical decision? Additionally, what are the distinguishing characteristics of the ideal time to top my plants—could it be determined by their height, number of nodes, or even the strain’s growth habits? Furthermore, is there a discernible difference in the response between indica and sativa varieties when subjected to this technique? As I navigate the complexities of cannabis cultivation, how do environmental factors, such as light intensity and nutrient availability, influence the timing of topping? Lastly, are there any signs of stress or weakness in the plants that could indicate that it’s either too early or too late for such an intervention, thereby affecting their future development?