Risk Mitigation for 3ft Grow Box

I am growing AK48 (Nirvana) and NL (Nirvana) side by side in a 3ft tall box. Currently, the height of my plants are 6 inches + 7 inches of container + 2 TT-GL20 LED lights 7 inches high.

Its been 30 days and the plants look full and look great.

1. Should I begin flowering them now, since they might double in size and leave 10 inches of space between the light and plant?

2. Should I begin flowering them when they are 9 or 10 inches, since they might double in size and leave 4 or 2 inches of space between the light and the plant?

3. Should I let it go the full foot and not worry if they touch or grow around the lights or top of the box??

4. How close is too close for the plants to be to the light? Is it ok if they touch? Is there anything i can do to ensure they dont get burned?

Since this is my first grow, yield is not a major concern. Just trying to start a hobby and learn as much as I can.

I truly appreciate the support. Thank you.

I would go one more week and switch to 12/12 that's pushing it i know.

Build yourself some kind of screen now give em another week atleast and enjoy a screen of colas in 2 months

A week now means a lot better plant 8 weeks from now. Train the tops sideways to give your self more room at the top. Think outside that 3 foot tall box of yours . LED can be placed close to the plants. I go 6" from the plants, they will adapt. If not then just move it another couple inches . Better to close Than too far. Too far will cause the stretch You speak of.

Thank you all.