As far as the lighting debate I found this to back up my stance:

" People need rest, so plants must too. This is false as well. Light means growth. Scientifically. Although 18/6 will shock your plants less when you switch to 12/12, it's a personal choice whether you would rather sacrifice a little growth for a quicker adjustment or less photo confusion. If you want to save money or energy that's a personal choice too. Do what you need to do to make your growing scenario work."

"The Calvin cycle which most people refer to as the "dark stage" happens during the light stage in the same amount as it does during the dark stage in Weed(class C3) so Scientifically Marijuana does not need the dark and will "yield" more as long as there is sufficient H20 and food to accommodate the photosynthesis during the long light hours. class C4 plants are like humans in which they need rest but class C3 plants(Cannabis) do not. They will thrive as long as they get light, food, water etc. They will not get tired and need to sleep or rest. The only thing the dark time will do is stretch the plant and stop it from photosynthesizing and gathering of C02.

Stick with 24/0 your plant will thank you. It will be more compact with stocky buds and less node spacing." Source- https://www.rollitup.org/t/24-0-vs-18-6-debate-is-over.292985/

Key points:

• Marijuana uses a type of photosynthesis that does not require a dark period... therefore more light =more growth
• Higher nighttime temperatures actually shorten internodal distance, resulting in more compact buds and less stem.
• Too high of daytime temperatures (90+ F) will result in slowed growth, due to stomata closure, and this will stunt plants. Turning off lights allows a cooling period in this case and maximize growth.

here is another article that gets more in depth with the science behind the photosynthesis:
https://www.420magazine.com/community/threads/18-6-vs-24-0-the-science.425165/

You are going to need to clean up the extra growth from the bottom of those Blue dream plants if you want it to get a better yield with more solid colas :P Wait until right before you go into flower to do this and "Lolipop" your plant a little by removing extra growth from the lower branches- helps airflow and bud quality... saves trim time too!