clones

There are many advantages to cloning as well as disadvantages, a lot depends on how the clone was obtained. It is important to be aware of the condition of the original mother, her generation, and how she herself was taken. If you are buying from a nursery be sure you ask these questions. Ask them how she has been cared for, what issues she may have, and what treatments, if any, were used on her. They should be able to tell you what generation cutting she is as well. This is important to maintain potency of the strain and you always want a cutting as close to generation one as possible. Some nurseries will keep strains in genetic stasis. If this is done you are more likely guaranteed a cutting close to generation one. In my own nursery I keep strains in stasis. Each new mother is pulled out of stasis instead of opting for the top of the last, which promotes degeneration. This maintains my strains original potency and genetics with little to no degradation. Some nurseries do not know which generation their cuttings are in, if this is the case I suggest opting for a nursery who knows what is going within their own gardens. 

Many growers will top their plants just before flipping them into flower. This gives them a very nice beautiful clone to work with as well as keeping the plant left short and bushy, allowing it to develop many top colas instead of just one. Never top a plant more than twice and never top when they are in flowering. This will put the plant and the cutting into a state of shock. This technique of taking clones, while efficient in many ways, allows for great degeneration and degradation of the strain. It is suggested, if possible, to start fresh from seed or cutting after a couple rounds of topped clones. 

It is possible to maintain potency, genetics in stasis keeping the plant at or near generation one. Keep in mind if you are going to be using clones you want to get as much information about the mother as possible if you have not raised and kept her yourself.