Defoliation or let it ride?

Since the plants already started flowering then only do a light defoliation of small leaves at the bottom and small growth shoots so the growth will focus on the main buds. From there don't touch the leaves!! as they say Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the plant, leaves provide important nutrients for the flowers! (Tuck big fan leaves under bud sites to increase light exposure). Hope this helps! Good luck and happy growing :)