Wiz Khalifa Sentenced in Romania for Cannabis Use

Wiz Khalifa, the beloved American rapper, has found himself in legal trouble once again. Recently, a Romanian court has handed him a nine-month prison sentence for smoking cannabis during a live performance. This verdict has raised eyebrows, especially since the rapper, whose real name is Thomaz Cameron Jibril, openly admitted to smoking a joint while on stage at the Beach, Please! festival last year in Costinesti.

The Court’s Ruling

The Romanian appeals court overturned a prior fine of 3,600 Romanian lei (approximately £619 or $829) for drug possession and instead ruled that Khalifa must serve time in custody. Notably, he was sentenced in absentia, as it remains unclear whether he is currently in Romania—he was last seen performing alongside Gunna in California just recently. The BBC has reached out to Khalifa for his comments on the situation.

Details of the Incident

Following his performance on July 13, 2024, Khalifa was briefly detained and questioned by authorities. Prosecutors charged him with possession of “risk drugs” intended for personal use. Romanian investigators noted that he was found with over 18 grams of cannabis and had consumed more on stage.

Judges’ Statements

The ruling by the Constanța Court of Appeal emphasized that Khalifa’s actions were an “ostentatious act” that could potentially encourage drug use among young people. The judges expressed concern over his influence, stating he was a performer at a music festival populated by a predominantly young audience and had showcased the illegal act of smoking in front of many fans.

Khalifa’s Response

The rapper addressed the incident on social media the day after, stating that he did not intend to offend anyone in Romania. “They [the authorities] were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big ass joint next time,” he quipped.

Legal Perspectives

Romanian criminologist Vlad Zaha shared insights with BBC News, suggesting that the chances of the U.S. extraditing Khalifa to serve his sentence are slim. He described the ruling as “unusually harsh,” pointing out that given Khalifa’s wealth and connections, combined with Romania’s limited negotiating power on extradition matters, it is unlikely he will face consequences in Romania, even if a formal judicial request is filed with the U.S.

Khalifa’s Legacy

The rapper, known for hit tracks like “Black and Yellow,” “See You Again,” and “Young, Wild & Free,” is often seen enjoying cannabis on his social media platforms. He even launched his own marijuana brand in 2016. While cannabis is legal for recreational and medical use in various U.S. states, it remains illegal under federal law.

Conclusion

This latest chapter in Wiz Khalifa’s life highlights the complexities surrounding cannabis legality and the varying law enforcement approaches in different countries. As he navigates this legal turmoil, many fans are left wondering how it will all unfold.

• Wiz Khalifa has been sentenced to nine months in prison by a Romanian court for cannabis use during a performance.
• The ruling overturned a previous fine, citing the need to discourage drug use among youth.
• Khalifa’s circumstances raise questions about extradition possibilities given his connections.
• Despite legal troubles abroad, the rapper continues to be a prominent figure in the cannabis culture.