Wiz Khalifa, the popular rapper known for his cannabis use, has been sentenced to nine months in prison in Romania for drug possession. The ruling comes after an appeal regarding an incident where he allegedly smoked weed on stage at a festival.
Incident Overview
Khalifa, born Cameron Jibril Thomaz, was detained in July 2024 during a performance in Costinești, Romania. Following his on-stage stunt, he faced charges of illegal drug possession. Shortly after his arrest, he expressed regret on social media, stating that he did not intend to offend the Romanian people.
Legal Proceedings
- The Constanța Tribunal initially imposed a fine of 3,000 lei (approximately $690).
- The Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) appealed this ruling.
- The appeal resulted in the nine-month prison sentence for Khalifa, classified as unlawful possession of dangerous drugs for personal use.
Finality of the Decision
This nine-month sentence is reportedly final under Romanian law, and it remains uncertain whether Romanian authorities will pursue his extradition. Currently, Khalifa is in the United States, where he continues to engage with fans through platforms like Twitch.
Romania’s Cannabis Laws
Romania has stringent laws regarding cannabis. It remains illegal for both recreational and medical use even though its classification as a high-risk medication dates back over ten years. Physicians cannot prescribe cannabis, but those with EU prescriptions can enter the country with appropriate documentation.
Consequences of Drug Possession
In Romania, illegal drug possession for personal use can lead to significant penalties, including:
- A prison sentence ranging from three months to two years.
- Monetary fines for drugs classified as a risk.
As the situation unfolds, both Khalifa’s representatives and Romanian authorities have not provided immediate comments. The ramifications of this sentence may continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming months.
