Does anyone condone defoliation about 4-6 weeks in...

Hi @JP148! I usually try to avoid any defoliation or pruning after the 2nd week into the flowering stage. Why? Because I want my plants to focus their energy on building the bud sites, expanding the flowers, and creating loads of resin/trichomes later. A defoliation is a small injury, and an open gate to pest+disease, that's why I do not recommend to do it, unless it's really required (very high humidity / serious lack of light / non-existent airflow). Looking at your plant, it seems that all the main colas are exposed to the light, and not too close to each others, therefore I do not see the need to defoliate. Hope this will help, let me know in the comments section if you need any further information. Happy growing! 👊

Though topic. 10 growers will give you 10 different answers. Personally I tried and don't like it. Best advice is to try and make your opinion. I only defoliate to improve air circulation and reduce humidity.

At the end of week 3 of flower is the best time to defoliate. She can still recover like veg. You start to see little budlets formed at top. But I recommend go easy. What I mean is cut a 1/4 of the leaves what 2 days then do another. So you know your not putting alot of stress on her.

I defoliate all throughout the life cycle of the plant. I have not had any problems as long as you don't remove too much. How much is too much? Well idk really, but I never remove more than 1/3 of the foliage. Happy Growing!