Once the trichomes are appear, they're psychoactive. The issue with clear, cloudy, amber is the reported effect that they have - clear = racy to amber = couch lock.
The admonition for new growers that I read everywhere is to hold off. I liken it to smoking a brisket - it's ready when it's ready but it sure is frustrating to wait.
The two GG autos in the photos are my third grow so I'm in the same situation as you are right now, though they're at day 103 above ground (60 days - if only!).
The way that you've described your plants is a perfect match for what I'm seeing in my grow. Based on the rapid change over the past few days, my thinking is that I'll be chopping this weekend.
One factor that can help determining when to chop is not just the change in the color of the trichomes but slower or reduced water uptake and, second, coloration of the plant leaves.
This thread is a great resource and
excellent timing, as well.
How are you checking your trichs? USB microscopes are really handy because you can capture photos and post them.
BTW, to me, this is the hardest part of the grow - knowing when to chop and then the dry and cure. Everyone knows what a healthy plant looks like so we pretty much know when to send up a flare and ask for help but, unless you've been around plants that generate fruit, we have no frame of reference to truly understand "Yup, they're ready".
The "sidecar" light is because a couple of branches kept falling out of the front of the tent.
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