I don't get it. You're saying that keeping your light source "close" to your plants its gonna alter the genetics and make it grow shorter than it would if you hung your lights at a "normal" level ???? Have nooooooo idea how cfls work but i doubt they have that affect on plant life. I mean you gotta be kiddin me. The most intense, direct "light" you're gonna get is what ?????? Yeah the fuckin sun......you think it inhibits growth. Genetics predispose a plant to a certain height and stature. Now how you choose to manipulate said genetics with ARTIFICIAL light, flourescent at that, and with topping, super cropping, lst etc,et,etc......is up to the individual grower. But don't question my health, mental or otherwise because in your world a flourescent light can alter the genetics of a marijuana plant. I mean they do.....you should see what an hps does......much less the actual sun. o yeah man listen to the advice on this thread....just keep that good ole cfl right on top of your plant(not because you can, because you have to) and that baby will stay short for you.....whatever. Go buy a cheap 250 w hps....its worth it.