You CAN cut the antenna, but you've got to know a few things before you do.
As stated in an earlier post, the 102" whip is a quarter wave antenna. That means it's it's 1/4 of the frequency. CB is on the 11 meter band and 102" is roughly 1/4 of that. Cutting not only shortens it to say 1/8 wave but changes how well it'll match your transmitter. If the antenna isn't matched to your transmitter, it'll be less than effective and could cause damage to the radio. If you cut it, it'll be shorter and less effecient, plus you'll have to make sure it's cut to the correct length.
Firesticks are good antennas- just stay away from those with the glittery rubber tips. The metal flakes that makes it glittery will mess with any attempts you make to tune the antenna. Yes, I do know from personal experience.
Get your Ham ticket. 2 meter transcievers are clearer, have greater range and are almost always in range of a repeater in case of emergencies- better than cell phones