Don't go by the pistils. Go by the trichomes. It is the most accurate method other than testing for THCA, which most people can not do or afford. The method used requires expensive equipment and the off-the-shelf test kits are not accurate at all. I am a retired chemist and I cannot even run these tests because of the equipment.
When assessing the trichomes, you want the highest percentage of cloud triches with the smallest number of clear and amber. The triches turn cloudy because THCA starts to reach it's solubility limit in the mix of cannabinoids and terpenes. Upon heating (smoking or vaping), THCA produces THC, the active component. If THCA is not heated, it will have no psychoactive affects, which is why you won't get high if you eat raw cannabis.
When THCA starts to degrade in the trichomes on the cannabis plant, it turns amber in color and forms the degradation product called CBN. CBN does not have nearly the same effect or potency as THC.
So, the best method for most growers is to use a jeweler's loupe (30-60x) and assess the stat of the trichomes.