American rapper Wiz Khalifa has been sentenced to nine months in prison in Romania after admitting to smoking cannabis on stage during a live performance at the Beach, Please! festival in the coastal town of Costinești last year. The ruling has drawn international attention, raising questions about drug laws, celebrity accountability, and the enforceability of court decisions across borders.
The sentence was handed down by a Romanian appeals court, which overturned an earlier decision that had fined the artist for drug possession. Instead of a financial penalty, the court opted for a custodial sentence, signaling a tougher stance on violations of Romania’s strict drug laws. Cannabis remains illegal in Romania, and authorities have repeatedly emphasized that public drug use, especially during large events, will not be tolerated.
The verdict was delivered in absentia, meaning Wiz Khalifa was not present in court when the decision was announced. Reports indicate that he was in the United States at the time, where he continues to tour and perform. Romanian officials have not confirmed whether they intend to seek his extradition, leaving uncertainty over whether the sentence will ever be enforced.
Wiz Khalifa, whose real name is Thomaz Cameron Jibril, has not returned to Romania since the incident. Legal experts note that extradition for a non-violent offense such as cannabis possession is uncommon, particularly when the individual is a high-profile foreign national. Without a formal extradition request and approval from U.S. authorities, the likelihood of Khalifa serving time in a Romanian prison remains low.
The case has ignited widespread debate online and among fans, many of whom argue that the punishment is excessive. Critics point out that cannabis use is legal or decriminalized in many countries and states, including parts of the United States, and question whether the sentence reflects outdated policies rather than public safety concerns. Others, however, defend Romania’s position, emphasizing that visitors are expected to respect local laws regardless of their fame or nationality.
Some legal commentators have described the ruling as largely symbolic, suggesting it may serve more as a warning than a practical attempt to imprison the artist. Without diplomatic follow-through or cooperation between governments, the sentence could remain unenforced. Still, Romanian authorities have defended the decision, stating that the law must be applied equally to citizens and foreigners alike.
The incident has also renewed discussions about how international performers navigate differing legal standards while touring abroad. Music festivals often attract artists from countries with vastly different laws, and legal experts warn that misunderstandings or disregard for local regulations can carry serious consequences.
As of now, Wiz Khalifa has not publicly commented on the sentence. Whether the ruling will impact his future travel plans or performances in Romania remains to be seen. For many observers, the case highlights the complex intersection of celebrity culture, national law, and international justice in an increasingly global entertainment industry.