A few questions on my first grow.

First grow here. Just an experiment. I got 4 small plants 2 weeks old in a cabinet with one 14/25/40 Watt Variable CFL.

What does Variable Wattage mean?

When will they show their sex?

Would leaving the light on 24 hours benefit me instead of 16/8?

Would irregular light schedule's cause hermies? One day I accidentally unplugged it for about 3 hours during the 24 hour light period I had. Also did it for about an hour another day. Right now I have them on about 17/7 to fit my life, but 24 hours would be easier for me.

Would going back to 24 cause hermies?

How old should they be before flowering? Would 4 weeks or so suffice?

the only one of those i'll touch is the variable watt bulb. basically it's a 3 way bulb. to my knowledge they should be used with 3 way sockets, though. the rest of your questions have answers that are highly debatable and need to be personally researched.

They will show there sex when you have the lights on 12/12 for about a week or so.

Anything else?