I've found myself being more creative and usually more motivated when indulging if I'm enjoying something that challenges my mind, or even reading a book. Not everyone has the same reaction to smoking, short or long term.
Again I will point out that your spiel about potency is backwards at best. Nothing personal. If you drink a 12 oz beer, it's not the same as drinking 12 oz of White Lightning, is it? You would do a 1oz shot and that is somewhat equivalent to a can of beer (ok, considering the percentage of actual alcohol, maybe 2-3 cans of beer, but you get it). Same concept for modern cannabis, which runs in the high 30% THC content range.
I indulged in just as potent weed back in the 80’s. Wasn't as widespread as it is now. Even back then, you pretty much know when you've had enough, at least for most people. You don't simply continue smoking until you pass out, like drinkers may do, and needle users regularly do. Doesn't work like that. I'll ask this again, do you get the meaning behind “one hit sh*t”? Means that did the trick, don't need another puff, or even if I do smoke more, I've plateaued to the point that continuing to smoke more has no additional effect.
Making it more potent leaves me having to smoke less, which in effect, is a “positive” overall, all things considered.
I think that it is a game of statistics. “For most people” it is not a good thing. Me included. And my old friend from high school who started dealing and wasted most of his life doing drugs. He was our go to dealer and had pretty much everything. But he started by using pot so there is some truth to it being a gateway drug.
Apparently the new weed is much stronger and now you can ingest almost pure THC? Not sure what form or how but according to my son, his friend zoned out in the corner when he took it. My sons friend was pulled in and is pretty much a “loser” with a bunch of “loser” friends who all do drugs. They all share an apartment because they cannot afford to be on their own. Can’t hold down a job, etc. Sad.