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.
This is second hand and I’ve never tried it but my friends say alcohol tincture under the tounge work for them and hit very quickly. Not enough alcohol to get you drunk if you’re trying to stay off the booze. I’ve been meaning to try it myself.