The film follows four friends: Thurgood Jenkins (played by Dave Chappelle), Brian (played by Jim Breuer), Kenny (played by Harland Williams), and Scarface (played by Guillermo Díaz). They live in New York City and enjoy smoking marijuana together. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when Kenny accidentally kills a diabetic police horse after feeding it junk food while high.
To raise money to bail Kenny out of jail, Thurgood and his friends come up with a plan to sell marijuana stolen from the pharmaceutical company where Thurgood works as a janitor. They start selling the marijuana under the street name “Mr. Nice Guy” and quickly become successful drug dealers.
As their drug business flourishes, Thurgood and his friends face various challenges and obstacles. They encounter rival drug dealers, run-ins with the law, and relationship issues. Throughout it all, they rely on their friendship and camaraderie to overcome adversity and stay true to their principles.
However, their illegal activities eventually catch up with them, and they find themselves facing the consequences of their actions. Thurgood is arrested by the police and faces the possibility of going to prison. As he reflects on his choices and the impact they have had on his life, Thurgood realizes that he needs to make a change and take responsibility for his actions.
In the end, Thurgood decides to turn himself in to the police and accept the consequences of his actions. He is sentenced to a period of probation and community service but is determined to turn his life around and make amends for his mistakes. With the support of his friends and loved ones, Thurgood begins a new chapter in his life, leaving behind his days as a drug dealer and embracing a brighter future.
“Half Baked” is praised for its irreverent humor, memorable characters, and hilarious performances, particularly from Dave Chappelle in the lead role. It’s a lighthearted and entertaining comedy that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth amidst the backdrop of the drug culture of the late 1990s.