Hey there, bro! 👋 I don't recommend cutting anything from the upper parts of the plant, even during defoliation, especially if you just want to remove ugly leaves! 👌😇 Don't mess with the plant if this is your first experience! Try to grow it as if it were living in nature and in the most ideal conditions! If you do that, the plant won't let you down, you'll get more than you dreamed of! I know this for sure, my friend! 👌😇👍 Good luck, bro!