7 steps To Grow Cannabis on page 79, says that "most strains should be in the flower stage for 8-10 weeks before being harvested".
Does that include the first three weeks or the stretching phase?
Just want to know, so I know when I can start my 2nd grow.
Yes, it includes the first 3 weeks (stretching phase). So 8-10 weeks = 56-70 days. Now there are some genetics that will finish slightly earlier than that. There are also some genetics that will finish later than that. Some sativa strains can go 11-13 weeks in flowering.