- Wiz Khalifa was convicted over cannabis possession in Romania
- The case stems from a 2024 music festival performance
- A court overturned an earlier fine and issued a suspended sentence
Wiz Khalifa, born Cameron Jibril Thomaz, has been convicted by a Romanian court for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs for personal use. The 38-year-old artist was found guilty after prosecutors proved he had more than 18 grams of cannabis.
The Constanța Court of Appeal made the ruling on Thursday after allowing a prosecution appeal. This decision overturned an earlier judgment by a lower court that had only fined the rapper around £600.
The case traces back to July 2024, when Khalifa performed at the Beach, Please! music festival in Costinești. Prosecutors told the court that part of the cannabis in his possession was consumed onstage during the show.
Following the performance, Khalifa was briefly detained by authorities but later released. Afterwards, he shared on social media that the concert had been “amazing” and apologised for any disrespect, saying he would return without smoking.
The suspended prison sentence was issued while Khalifa was not present in court. Reports indicate that his legal team is already preparing to challenge the decision through a further appeal.
Romanian law allows courts to hand down such sentences even if the accused is not physically in the country.
Romania has some of the toughest drug laws in Europe. Cannabis is illegal for both recreational and medical use, and possession for personal consumption can attract prison terms ranging from three months to two years, or fines.
Authorities have consistently enforced these laws, even against foreign visitors and international celebrities.
Khalifa is globally known not just for hit songs like Black and Yellow, but also for openly promoting marijuana use as part of his image. However, legal experts say it is unlikely Romania would seek his extradition from the United States due to legal and diplomatic realities.
The case once again highlights the sharp contrast between countries that are relaxing cannabis laws and those, like Romania, that continue to enforce strict bans.
For now, the rapper’s conviction stands, even as his lawyers explore the next legal steps.
