When I started smoking in 1974 it was Mex brick weed. Then Thai stick started to appear and then black hash. By 1977 when I graduated high school Skunk was king. I sure could tell the difference between the high of the brick weed compared to the Thai and Skunk but between those two? Not much. Hawaiian would come around for $10 a gram, like hash and like the hash always worth it but not really any better than the other top notch strains of the day.
Now, how much difference is there between the killer weed of the 70's and today? I don't see much and certainly can't see a difference between those and many of my favorite strains over the past 45 years.
I've got a strain from Freak Genetics called Sarsparellia, GMO Root Beer x Pure Michigan that has been tested at 30% TCH that doesn't get me any higher than the 2003 Granddaddy Purple at 18% THC.
I made a cross of GDP x Blueberry Hash Plant that, at least to me tastes like the old Afghani Primo from the late 70's. No grapes or berries, that I love but the old school flavor is rocking my world with a strong high.
I haven't found any of the newer higher THC percentage strains to be better or get me higher than what I've been growing for decades. I just don't see it and will continue to grow and enjoy these strains while making my own crosses hoping for some new flavors, and to me today Flavor is king