We cruised past billboards, snacks and snow cones, A pizza slice moon on a string, You said, “Man, this ride’s a free zone,” And passed me that half-grinning thing.

In terms of cultural significance, "Cheech and Chong's Nice Dreams" is often cited as one of the greatest stoner comedies of all time. The film's success helped to establish Cheech and Chong as major stars and paved the way for a range of other stoner comedies.

Today, Nice Dreams is often cited by die-hard fans as a favorite because it represents the duo at the height of their creative freedom. They weren't trying to replicate the massive success of Up in Smoke ; they were making a movie that made them laugh.

Directed by Tommy Chong, Nice Dreams is the third feature film starring the comedy duo. The plot follows Cheech and Chong as they run a successful business selling high-potency marijuana from an . Their product, which has the unusual side effect of turning users into lizards, allows them to amass a small fortune. However, the duo faces numerous obstacles, including:

The "Nice Dreams" name has lived on through various ventures, including a real-life hemp-infused relaxation ice cream launched by Bebida Beverage Company

There is a chaotic energy here that feels live and unscripted. Whether they are trying to dodge a chemical test, dealing with a hostile nurse, or interacting with the eccentric "Howie" (a very early role for Paul Reubens, essentially playing a proto-Pee-wee Herman character named "Howie Hamburger Dude"), the laughs come fast and loose.