Rapper Wiz Khalifa Sentenced to 9 Months in Romanian Prïson for Onstage Cannàbis Use

American rapper Wiz Khalifa (real name Thomaz Cameron Jibril) has been sentenced to nine months in prison by a Romanian court for smoking cannabis during a live festival performance.

The Constanța Court of Appeal delivered the ruling, overturning an initial fine of 3,600 Romanian lei (approximately $829) for drug possession. The sentence was issued in absentia, and Khalifa’s current whereabouts are unclear, as he was recently seen performing in California with fellow artist Gunna.

Background and Judicial Rationale
The case stems from an incident on July 13, 2024, when Romanian police briefly detained and questioned Khalifa. Prosecutors charged him with possession of “risk drugs” for personal use after authorities confirmed he had over 18 grams of cannabis and consumed some on stage.

In their ruling, the judges described his public act as “ostentatious,” emphasizing that as a popular performer with a significant young fanbase, Khalifa sent a harmful message that “normalized illegal conduct and encouraged drug use.”

Public Apology and Legal Analysis
Following the incident, Khalifa issued a public apology on the social media platform X, stating he did not mean to offend Romania and promised to return, albeit “without a big @ss joint next time.”

However, legal experts consider it highly improbable that Khalifa will serve the sentence in Romania. Romanian criminologist Vlad Zaha told the BBC that extradition to the United States is “highly unlikely,” citing Khalifa’s financial resources, the legal status of cannabis in parts of the U.S., and Romania’s limited leverage in such international legal negotiations. Zaha characterized the custodial sentence as “unusually harsh” and noted it is doubtful the rapper will ever see a Romanian prison cell despite the formal judicial order.