Wiz Khalifa faces jail time in Romania after drug possession conviction linked to onstage incident
A Shocking Legal Turn Abroad
December 18, 2025 — Rapper Wiz Khalifa has been sentenced to nine months in a Romanian prison following a conviction for drug possession, stemming from an incident during a music festival performance in the country. The ruling has drawn international attention, highlighting the stark differences between drug laws in the United States and Romania.
The sentence was handed down after prosecutors successfully appealed an earlier, more lenient punishment, escalating the case from a financial penalty to incarceration.
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What Led to the Conviction
The charges date back to a summer 2024 performance at a major music festival in Romania, where Khalifa — whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz — was found in possession of cannabis and was seen smoking it onstage during his set.
Under Romanian law, cannabis remains illegal, and possession for personal use can result in criminal penalties, including prison time. Authorities moved forward with charges shortly after the incident, despite the act being part of a performance.
From Fine to Prison Sentence
Initially, a lower court issued Khalifa a fine for illegal drug possession, a decision that aligned more closely with penalties seen in other European countries. However, Romanian prosecutors appealed the ruling, arguing that the punishment did not reflect the seriousness of the offense under national law.
The appeals court agreed, overturning the fine and issuing a nine-month prison sentence instead. The decision underscores Romania’s strict stance on drug-related offenses, even when they involve personal use and non-violent conduct.
Romania’s Strict Drug Laws
Romania is known for enforcing some of the toughest drug policies in Europe. Unlike countries that have decriminalized or legalized cannabis, Romanian law treats possession as a criminal offense regardless of intent.
Legal experts note that international artists are often caught off guard by these regulations, particularly when behaviors considered commonplace or symbolic in their home countries carry severe consequences abroad.
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Will Wiz Khalifa Serve Time?
While the sentence has been issued, it remains unclear whether Khalifa will actually serve time in a Romanian prison. As a U.S. citizen residing outside Romania, enforcement would likely depend on extradition proceedings or Khalifa’s voluntary compliance.
Extradition for personal drug possession cases is uncommon, and no public confirmation has been made regarding next legal steps. Khalifa’s legal team has not issued a statement outlining how they plan to respond.
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Industry and Fan Reaction
Reaction to the sentence has been mixed. Some fans have expressed shock at the severity of the punishment, while others have emphasized the importance of respecting local laws when performing internationally.
The case has reignited conversations about cultural differences, legal awareness for touring artists, and the risks entertainers face when performing abroad.
A Cautionary Tale for Touring Artists
Wiz Khalifa has long been associated with cannabis culture through his music and public image, making the incident especially ironic in the context of strict foreign laws. The case serves as a reminder that artistic expression does not override local legislation.
For international performers, the situation highlights the importance of understanding regional laws before taking the stage — especially in countries with zero-tolerance drug policies.
Image Credit: WWAYTV3
What Happens Next?
As of now, no official statement has been released by Khalifa or his representatives regarding the sentence. Whether the ruling will lead to further legal challenges, sentence suspension, or diplomatic intervention remains to be seen.
Published by HOLR Magazine