http://www.growweedeasy.com/cannabis-thrips
We learn from experience. I'm currently experiencing thrips myself and have dealt with them the last 6 months or so. They do chew across your leaves and can ultimately effect photosynthetic capabilities of your plant. All stress adds up to a less than ideal grow. In bloom they subside to the lower shaded leaves so they stay out of your buds but I believe this is a soil-growers issue mainly. I swear I got Thrips from the store bought bagged soil. They need soil to complete their life cycle and the early larvae are born there. The juveniles hang out up top on the plant and eat your leaf juices. Only the adults get black and can fly around, laying eggs in all your other soil (also that bag of extra soil you just have laying around in the corner)
Whether it's from the store or manufacturer I'm not sure, soil can be buggy so just be prepared.
Monterey brand with Spinosad as the active ingredient seems like an honestly great choice. Labeled for thrips and it's certified for organic grows. I use Ms. Lily's 70% powdered sulfur mixed in a slurry with water. Hit the plants with a foliar application once before bloom when theres maximum leaf area without budlets forming and I spray the top of the soil too and under all the leaves and stems as much as I can. This neutralizes the adult and juvenile population. Put a small amount (its on the label) during the next watering so it kills the grub life cycle. That will keep them away until you can harvest this crop.
With the Spinosad or sulfur or whatever else you choose (pyrethrums, soaps, neem oil, fatty acids, etc...) you may have to apply earlier a time or two also. In early veg, or whenever symptoms appear. Scouting is when you actively search for pests or problems in order to identify problems early. You would see webs if it's The Borg. Preventative applications are a wise option too, especially for your next grow. Knock em out before they ever bug you!
No need for nuclear options. Homeopathic remedies work for Thrips, individuals are weak, but the population can exist easily.
some people use mint, essential oils, diotamaceuous powder, sand, perlite, sticky pads (they make "lock-down" pads for 5gal buckets).
Good Luck!
Look at that bulb! It's peppered with adult thrips. Especially the bottom right.