Hi Afton.
Looking at them, the cali o needs a week or two and my strain is there or thereabouts cooked enough for me.
I may just have them down at the weekend anyway, hang them for a day or two then start the fermenting process.
(See here viewtopic.php?f=89&t=13702 )
I think taking them ripe and when most psychoactive is probably a bonus. The way I look at it is the only bulk that comes towards the end of flower is the hardening and swelling of the ovules, no more compounds are produced, so pound for pound the levels of psychoactive compounds (for example - THC percentages) will be dwindling as that mass is gained. Cloudy/amber dope means them compounds have started degrading and not what I like or want.
And I can save some electrickery money to buy sweeties with.
But
Take it easy dude!