I see entirely too many people asking about cutting fan leaves. I had the same questions when i started, but you just need to look it up on google. The fan leaves-plant-bud relationship is complex but easy to understand. the leaves take some nutrient/food from the plant, BUT also absorb sunlight/photosynthesize, thus benefitting the bud/plant. The fan leaves take energy, but put just as much if not more back into the plant; when your leaves shrivel up and fall off, it is because the plant has used up all the sweet sugars and nutes that leaf has to offer. So if you want to cut fan leaves that are absolutely a nuisance, go ahead... just remember that as long as they are green and happy(and not completely swallowing a bud), they are benefitting the plant.
