Wiz Khalifa must serve nine months jail sentence after cannabis conviction in Romania

American rapper Wiz Khalifa suffered a setback on Thursday as a Romanian court rejected his appeal against a nine-month jail sentence for cannabis possession. The decision comes after Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, attempted to overturn a conviction stemming from his performance at the Beach, Please! Festival in Constanta County in July 2024.

During the festival, Romanian police allege Khalifa was caught smoking cannabis on stage and found to be in possession of over 18 grams of the substance. He apologised at the time, insisting he meant no disrespect to the audience or the authorities. Despite the apology, he was convicted of “possession of dangerous drugs, without right, for personal consumption.”

Initially, a lower court had issued a criminal fine of 3,600 lei, roughly $830, but prosecutors appealed, seeking a harsher penalty. The Constanta Court of Appeal not only denied Khalifa’s appeal to annul the sentence but also ruled against suspending it. Romania is known for strict drug laws, with cannabis possession punishable by fines or prison terms ranging from three months to two years.

It remains unclear whether Romanian authorities will pursue an extradition request, given that Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and does not reside in Romania. The rapper’s legal team has not yet issued a public response following the appellate court’s decision.

The ruling has already sparked reactions online, with fans and commentators weighing in on the severity of Romania’s drug enforcement. While some express concern over the impact on Khalifa’s international touring schedule, others note that the case underscores the significant differences in drug legislation between Europe and the United States.

Wiz Khalifa’s career, which includes multiple chart-topping albums and high-profile festival performances worldwide, has rarely intersected with legal controversies abroad. This conviction, however, may influence his future engagements in countries with stringent drug laws and highlights the importance for artists to navigate local regulations carefully.

With the appeal rejected, Khalifa is expected to serve the nine-month sentence as ordered, pending any potential developments regarding extradition or diplomatic discussions.