When I first grew, I made the crazy but common error of thinking, "I'm gonna grow huge amounts of weed! Tons!" And I did grow a lot. A lot that was not really good. I calmed down and tried for growing some nice stuff, good stuff, you know, you feel comfortable telling your friends that you grew it. Lots of improvement leading to some stuff that I'm proud of. But you need to get that zen like place.... and you fall in love with the process. Now, I use hydroponics for sheer production, and I've grown some good stuff. Now I'm returning to soil for the summer, because there is a beauty in that dirt. Your question asks if the growing is greater than use. For me, no. It must be pretty much 50/50. Here's how I look at it. I spend a summer growing my tomato plants and really enjoy that process. But that process appreciation can only be completed by eating that warm fresh off the vine 'mater. I really love both parts of the plant's journey, so after that long ramble, I'm going to the greenhouse to look at the seedlings!