Wiz Khalifa Sentenced to 9 Months in Romanian Prison for Onstage Cannabis Use

Wiz Khalifa Sentenced in Romania: Celebrity Meets Strict Law

In December 2025, the world learned that American rapper Wiz Khalifa—known for his unapologetic embrace of cannabis culture—had been sentenced in absentia to nine months in prison by a Romanian court. The verdict stemmed from a July 2024 incident at the Beach, Please! Festival in Costinești, Romania, where Khalifa (born Cameron Jibril Thomaz) lit up a joint onstage and performed while openly smoking cannabis.

The Incident: A Joint, a Stage, and a Legal Storm

What began as a typical high-energy performance quickly turned into a legal headache. Local police detained Khalifa after the show, and prosecutors charged him with illegal drug possession. Authorities said he was found with 18.53 grams of cannabis and a cannabis-laced cigarette intended for personal use. Romanian law is clear and uncompromising: both recreational and medical cannabis are illegal, and possession—even for personal consumption—can bring prison time or steep fines. Physicians in Romania cannot prescribe cannabis, and only those carrying prescriptions from other EU countries may enter with the drug, provided they have proper documentation.

Initially, Khalifa received a relatively lenient penalty: a fine of 3,000–3,600 Romanian lei (about $700–830), according to CanCan and ABC News. But prosecutors, unsatisfied, appealed the ruling. Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) argued for a harsher sentence, and the Constanța Court of Appeal agreed—handing down a nine-month prison term. The decision, as reported by Rolling Stone, is final under Romanian law.

Legal Aftershocks: Extradition Unlikely, Appeal Underway

Wiz Khalifa was not present for the sentencing, and he remains in the United States. At the time of the verdict, he was seen streaming on Twitch—smoking weed—and later making a cameo at Gunna’s Los Angeles concert. The Romanian authorities have not indicated whether they will pursue extradition, a move complicated by Khalifa’s US citizenship and lack of residency in Romania. Sources close to the rapper told TMZ that his legal team is appealing the sentence, but the odds remain stacked against him given Romania’s infamously strict drug laws.

This isn’t the first time Romania has made headlines for its tough stance on drugs. Classified as a high-risk medication over a decade ago, cannabis possession can carry sentences ranging from three months to two years, or a fine for lesser quantities. In Khalifa’s case, the appeal process is ongoing, but experts suggest extradition is unlikely unless Romanian prosecutors make an extraordinary effort.

The Public Response: Apology, Controversy, and Cannabis Culture

Following his release, Khalifa posted an apology on X (formerly Twitter): “I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage.” He later added, “Last night’s show was amazing. They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big ass joint next time.” For many fans, the apology was sincere, but for Romanian authorities, it did little to soften the legal consequences.

Khalifa’s reputation as a cannabis aficionado is well established. On Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier in 2025, he revealed that he smokes up to 30 joints a day, joking about balancing work, family, and his habit. This candidness has made him a symbol of cannabis culture, but it also puts him at odds with countries whose laws are far less tolerant.

Romania’s Drug Laws: Context and Consequences

Romania stands out in Europe for its uncompromising approach to drugs. Recreational and medical cannabis use are both prohibited, and courts regularly impose strict sentences for even small-scale possession. In Khalifa’s case, the fact that he smoked on stage in front of thousands made the incident impossible for authorities to ignore. The court’s final ruling, as reported by ABC News, highlighted “possession of dangerous drugs, without right, for personal consumption.”

While some observers argue the sentence is disproportionate, others say it underscores the importance of respecting local laws—especially as global artists travel to perform. For Khalifa, the episode may serve as a cautionary tale, not just for himself but for other artists whose onstage antics can have far-reaching consequences beyond the music.

Where Does This Leave Wiz Khalifa?

As of now, Wiz Khalifa’s day-to-day life in the United States continues uninterrupted. He remains active on social media, in music, and in cannabis advocacy. Yet, the Romanian sentence hangs over him—a reminder that celebrity status does not exempt one from international law. Whether the appeal will succeed, or whether Romania will pursue further legal avenues, remains to be seen.

For Khalifa’s fans, the situation has prompted both support and debate. Was it simply a case of cultural misunderstanding, or a willful disregard of the law? Should countries with strict drug policies accommodate global stars, or is this the price of crossing boundaries?

Ultimately, Wiz Khalifa’s Romanian sentence is more than a legal story—it’s a collision between cultural expression and the hard edges of the law. It reminds us that fame travels, but local justice doesn’t bend for headlines. For artists and audiences alike, it’s a lesson in the global consequences of personal choices.