Wiz Khalifa Jailed in Romania After Smoking Cannabis on Stage

Wiz Khalifa Sentenced to Nine Months in Romanian Prison Over On-Stage Cannabis Use

American rapper Wiz Khalifa, whose real name is Thomaz Cameron Jibril, has been sentenced to nine months in a Romanian prison following an incident where he smoked cannabis during a live festival performance.

The ruling was delivered by the Constanța Court of Appeal, which overturned an earlier punishment that only required Khalifa to pay a fine of 3,600 Romanian lei (about $829) for drug possession. Instead, the court decided that the offence warranted a custodial sentence, meaning prison time.

According to court records, the sentence was issued in absentia, as it remains unclear whether the rapper is currently in Romania. His most recent public appearance placed him in California, where he was seen performing alongside fellow rapper Gunna.

What Happened at the Festival?

The incident dates back to July 13, 2024, when Romanian police briefly detained and questioned Khalifa after his festival performance. Prosecutors later charged him with possession of what Romanian law classifies as “risk drugs” for personal use.

Authorities revealed that Wiz Khalifa was found with more than 18 grams of cannabis, some of which he allegedly consumed openly on stage in front of a live audience.

Why the Court Took a Tougher Stand

In their judgment, the judges described the rapper’s actions as “ostentatious”, emphasizing that his status as a global celebrity made the offence more serious. The court argued that, as a performer with a strong following among young people, his behavior sent the wrong message, potentially normalizing illegal drug use and encouraging imitation.

The judges stressed that public figures are expected to be mindful of local laws, especially when performing abroad.

Wiz Khalifa’s Reaction

Following the incident, Khalifa addressed the situation on X (formerly Twitter), where he issued an apology to Romanian authorities and citizens. He stated that he did not intend to disrespect the country or its laws and added, jokingly, that if he ever returned, it would be “without a big joint next time.”

What Happens Next?

While the sentence stands, it remains uncertain whether Romanian authorities will seek to enforce it internationally or if Khalifa will appeal further. The case has sparked debate online, with some fans calling the punishment harsh, while others argue it highlights the importance of respecting local laws, regardless of celebrity status.

One thing is clear: the incident has become a cautionary tale for international performers — what may be acceptable in one country can carry serious consequences in another.