I have heard that weed from the 70s era only had ~2% THC where now at least dispensary grade can hit 20% to 25% THC. That could well be due to the drug war selecting for more powerful highs in smaller packages, but i would think that would also reduce the quantity needed to get the high you want.
tl;dr I don’t think I answer your question…
As a regular smoker since 1995, I can say I definitely don’t rip four foot bong hits anymore. I also don’t go through a half ounce in three days. Now, a quarter lasts me weeks, and a single spliff lasts me a day or three.
Part of that is that I have things I need my brain for, and the other is that I’m wasted on anything more than three hits. I’m living in a country with no designer weed, and what I get here is only a notch or two above Mexican brick. When I lived 1.2mi from a weed store in the US, the heavy THC strains would kick my ass after two hits or less.
Still, some friends who do dabz regularly (back in the states) get ripped well beyond what I prefer to, so I’m not sure the increased high is making smokers consume less. Its probably just me getting old.
I have been using cannabis for decades (with the exception of breaks lasting from a couple months to a few years).
Unless you count idiotic teen behavior, I have always thought a little bit is enough. It keeps your tolerance low and prevents burnout.
I usually just do it before bed but I usually like to do an activity (game, book, writing, quiet chore) so getting completely faded is pointless. Quick few vapes while out with the dog and I’m good.