I don't believe the declining benefits were due to anything other than the strain. The last 2 purchases (1 oz produces 72 doses @ 2 doses/day) have been from a strain that is awful for me. I absolutely dreaded taking it because it would cause me such anxiety that I felt like I was dying each and every time I took it. Most nights on those strains I had to have a few beers just to keep from going to the ER thinking I was dying. If any reading this are thinking that I am crazy for still taking it, just try to realize that as bad as the side effects get, it is still better than the symptoms it prevents. And when I get the correct strain, there are virtually no side effects. It is really hard not to be angry (frustration, I cannot help) when there is a medicine that allows me to live a more normal life, but I can't obtain it due to ridiculous, outdated laws. The one time I was able to visit a shop in a state where it is legal, I was able to obtain the type of strains I needed @ "exactish" doses. That was the best week I have had in over a decade.
NT17, I am sure you know this, but just in case ... you may want to consider keeping a high quality, under the tongue, cbd oil for when your son tries any new strain or dosage change. As I'm sure you know, cbd oil counteracts much of the thc. I have found that I can take it to counter much of the anxiety produced by "bad" strains, but that if I do, I don't get the same benefits.
Concerning absorption. If an adequate amount of fat ( I use coconut oil) is used in the extraction process, then I think he might be right. I have tried it numerous ways (empty stomach, with a meal, with a couple spoonfuls of peanut butter etc.) and feel it does work best for me on an empty stomach. The thing I haven't been able to figure out is how it worked so well with the gummies (from my visit to a legal shop) on a empty stomach, because they tasted sweet (sugar hinders while fat increases absorption).
Your kids are lucky to have such a devoted parent.
Thank you for sharing your story as it helps people to know that they are not alone in this.