Romanian Court Sentences Rapper Wiz Khalifa to Nine Months in Prison Over Cannabis Case

Los Angeles/Constanta: A Romanian appellate court has sentenced American rapper Wiz Khalifa to nine months in prison in connection with a drug possession case linked to a music festival performance in July 2024, according to a report by People magazine.

The ruling was delivered by the Constanta Court of Appeal, which found the Grammy-nominated artist guilty of possessing illegal drugs for personal use without authorisation. Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, was arrested last year after Romanian authorities alleged that he carried and consumed cannabis during his performance at the ‘Beach, Please!’ music festival in Costinesti.

Investigators said the rapper was found with more than 18 grams of cannabis and had used the substance on stage, prompting his detention shortly after the show. While Khalifa was later allowed to leave Romania, the case continued through the judicial process.

In its judgment, the appellate court said the custodial sentence was necessary to serve as a deterrent, noting that Khalifa’s global popularity amplified the seriousness of the offence. The court observed that public figures engaging in illegal drug use could send a misleading message and potentially influence younger audiences.

Following the incident, Khalifa had issued a public apology on social media, expressing regret and stating that he did not intend to show disrespect toward Romania. He also said he was treated respectfully by authorities during the investigation.

Earlier, in April 2025, a lower court had imposed a relatively minor fine of around USD 830. However, Romanian prosecutors challenged that decision, arguing that the punishment was insufficient, which led to the appeal court imposing a prison term.

As Khalifa is a United States citizen, questions remain over how the sentence will be enforced and whether Romanian authorities will seek extradition.