"Lollipopping" as this business calls it absolutely works. Removing up to 1/3 of the lower branches and shoots to focus on the main canopy is critical in getting higher yields. This has been being practiced for a long time not only on Cannabis but many other fruits such as apple trees, tomatoes and potatoes and soy beans.
Theres been many studies and lots of research done on this topic which is more commonly referred to as selective leaf pruning or defoliation in the commercial growing community.
Lollipopping for this type of plant as its known is beneficial when done at the correct time. It should be completed 2 weeks prior to flowering with a minimum of 10 days recovery period or it can negatively impact overall yields. This period of time is essential in recovery and the stress caused from cutting and pruning the plant. Using complex B Vitamins at this time is found to be beneficial in reducing potential for infections and stress related illness. Some argue over this subject I do it for good measure as its more of a peace of mind for me and I like to be safe rather than sorry. But its not something I say is imperative in its use or application.
Since Cannabis like many other plants grows via apical dominance the idea of lollipopping the plants underbrush causes the focus of growth to naturally bulken and focus primarily on the upper main flowering sites and canopy where most of the hormones, auxins and cabrohydrates will be driven anyways during photosynthesis. The maint goal is to convert all useable energy and resources to grow the largest main colas you can, which is the reason for removing the lower sites (one key misunderstanding is that YOU ONLY WANT TO BE removing the nodes or sucker branches is what you want NOT the leaves!!) The leaves are your main source for absorbing the light and providing the energy and carbohydrates needed for growth, so leave those bad boys on the plants! Selective removal of interior site blocking fan leaves is a different topic but can also be beneficial in reducing molds, and getting light penetration to the lower leaves so the entire plant can absorb all the energy possible during critical periods of flowering!!
Lollipopping is practiced by many cultivators and is always a subject of controversy in the growing community but if you ask many experienced growers you will find that it is common practice and this is for a reason because it works. You should also lollipop your main branches as well. What I mean by this is: the main branch or dominant growth "canopy shoots" should be stripped down anything under the 3rd-4th node from the tops. This will ensure you are only getting nothing but main colas. This will maximize our yields and remove chance of getting all the popcorn and fluff noone wants on their ladies. Try it out it changed my yields on average 10-20% just doing this simple trick.
The key is when you do it. As mentioned before I always do site and node removal 10 days minimum before the flip. And than follow up after the stretch is over usually day 21 and remove all this little crap shoots that grew back during the initial flowering stretch phase. And WALLA, you set yourself up nice for bountiful harvests!
