it was not in the veg stage if you can see buds developing...thats what happens in the beginning of flowering...during veg buds will not grow on your plant...18 hrs light (6 dark) is ideal for veg...12 hrs light and 12 hrs dark is ideal for flowering...
if you want to flower your plants (make the actual weed) you have to put it in 12/12...in 18/6 your plant will NOT produce buds.
hope this helps..look up veg and flowering stages and read some info to get a better idea.