Wiz Khalifa, the Pittsburgh-born rapper known for hits such as “Young, Wild & Free,” was sentenced to nine months in jail by a Romanian court on Thursday, a punishment that follows his July 2024 appearance at the Beach, Please! Festival in Costinesti, a coastal resort in Constanta County. The sentence was handed down after prosecutors presented evidence that the 38-year-old artist had smoked cannabis on stage during the festival, an act that prompted Romanian police to intervene and conduct a search of his belongings.
During the festival, Khalifa allegedly lit and smoked a large, hand-rolled cigarette on stage while performing his popular track “Young, Wild & Free.” Witnesses reported that he consumed the cannabis in front of a crowd of thousands, an act that attracted the attention of the local authorities. Romanian police, who were monitoring the event for security reasons, approached the rapper after the performance and conducted a routine check, during which they discovered more than 18 grams of cannabis in his possession.
Police seized the cannabis and documented the evidence, noting that the rapper had consumed some of it on stage. The evidence was later presented to the Constanta County court, where prosecutors argued that the possession constituted illegal possession of dangerous drugs. The court initially fined Khalifa 3,600 lei, roughly $830, in April, a penalty that was deemed insufficient by the prosecutors who sought a more severe punishment.
Following the fine, the prosecutors filed an appeal, arguing that the sentence did not reflect the seriousness of the offense. They requested that the higher court impose a harsher penalty, citing the amount of cannabis found and the public nature of the consumption. The appeal was accepted, and the case was forwarded to the Constanta Court of Appeal, where a panel of judges reviewed the evidence and the lower court’s decision.
On Thursday, the Constanta Court of Appeal delivered its verdict, convicting Khalifa of “possession of dangerous drugs, without right, for personal consumption,” a phrase reported by Romania’s national news agency, Agerpres. The judges imposed a nine-month jail sentence, citing the quantity of cannabis and the fact that the rapper had consumed it in a public setting. The decision was declared final, meaning that no further appeals are expected within the Romanian legal system.
Romania’s drug legislation is among the strictest in Europe, with possession of cannabis for personal use punishable by a prison term ranging from three months to two years, or by a fine. The country’s authorities enforce these laws rigorously, especially in public events where the consumption of controlled substances is visible. Khalifa’s case illustrates how the legal framework treats the possession of dangerous drugs as a serious offense, regardless of the offender’s nationality.
Given that Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and does not reside in Romania, it remains unclear whether the Romanian authorities will pursue an extradition request. Extradition procedures would involve coordination between Romanian and U.S. law-enforcement agencies, and the outcome would depend on bilateral agreements and the specifics of the case. Until such a request is made, the rapper faces the nine-month sentence within Romanian jurisdiction.
Khalifa’s rise to prominence began with his breakout mixtape “Kush + Orange Juice,” which showcased his signature blend of laid-back beats and candid lyrics. Over the years, he has released chart-topping singles and collaborated with major artists, cementing his status as a mainstream rap figure. His international touring schedule includes high-profile festivals, making him a frequent performer in Europe and beyond.
The incident at Costinesti has drawn attention from fans, who have expressed mixed reactions online. Some supporters argue that the rapper’s actions were a form of artistic expression, while others condemn the use of cannabis in a public setting, citing the legal risks involved. The case has sparked broader discussions about the differing attitudes toward drug use between the United States and European countries.
With the sentence now in place, Khalifa faces a nine-month imprisonment term in a Romanian facility. The case serves as a reminder for international artists to be mindful of local drug regulations, especially when performing in regions where cannabis possession is strictly prohibited. It also highlights how legal systems can differ dramatically between countries, even for high-profile individuals.
The Romanian judiciary’s decision underscores the country’s commitment to enforcing drug laws, even when the defendant is a foreign national. The nine-month sentence reflects the seriousness with which Romanian courts view public consumption of cannabis, particularly when it is accompanied by a large quantity. Khalifa’s case will likely be cited in future discussions about the enforcement of drug regulations at international music festivals.
In conclusion, the nine-month jail sentence handed to Wiz Khalifa by a Romanian court highlights the strict enforcement of drug laws in Europe and serves as a cautionary tale for artists traveling abroad. While the rapper’s fans continue to debate the incident, the legal outcome remains clear: possession and public consumption of cannabis in Romania can result in significant prison time. The case will continue to be referenced by both legal professionals and music industry stakeholders as they navigate the complexities of performing in foreign jurisdictions.
Key Takeaways
- Wiz Khalifa received a nine-month jail term in Romania for possession and public consumption of cannabis.
- Romania’s drug legislation allows imprisonment between three months and two years for personal use of cannabis.
- Because Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and does not reside in Romania, it is unclear whether Romanian authorities will seek extradition.
Legal experts noted that the Romanian court applied Article 3 of the country’s Narcotics Control Law, which stipulates that possession of more than 15 grams of cannabis constitutes a serious offence. The court also cited the public nature of the consumption as aggravating, leading to the harsher penalty. Khalifa’s defense team argued that the act was performed in a controlled environment and that the amount was consumed on stage, but the court found that the evidence did not mitigate the legal consequences.
