BUCHAREST — American rapper Wiz Khalifa could face up to nine months in prison after Romania's Constanța Court of Appeal upheld a prosecutor's challenge to an initial fine, replacing it with a custodial sentence for drug possession and public consumption during a July 2024 performance. The ruling, issued on Thursday, December 18, 2025, stems from an incident at the Beach Please Festival in Costinești, where the artist was filmed smoking marijuana onstage.
The court overturned an earlier decision that imposed a 3,000 lei (approximately $700) fine, accepting the appeal from DIICOT Constanța Territorial Service, Romania's organized crime and terrorism prosecutor's office. Sources indicate the sentence is not final, with Khalifa's legal team initiating further appeals to potentially revert to a non-custodial penalty or secure an alternative outcome.
Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, was briefly detained in July 2024 after performing at the festival. Video footage showed him lighting and smoking what authorities identified as cannabis while dancing to Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's "The Next Episode." Romanian law strictly prohibits possession, consumption, and public use of high-risk drugs, including cannabis, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment depending on quantity and circumstances.
Prosecutors charged Khalifa under articles criminalizing drug possession and public consumption without intent to distribute. The initial lower court ruling favored a fine, but DIICOT appealed, arguing for a stronger deterrent. The appeal court's decision reflects Romania's zero-tolerance stance on narcotics, particularly in public settings involving influencers or celebrities.
Khalifa's representatives have not issued a detailed public response, but sources close to the case confirm an appeal is underway at higher judicial levels, potentially reaching Romania's High Court of Cassation and Justice. Legal experts note that while custodial sentences for small quantities are rare for first-time offenders, public acts and celebrity status can influence stricter outcomes.
The incident occurred amid Khalifa's European tour, highlighting contrasts in drug policies. While cannabis is decriminalized or legalized in parts of Europe and several U.S. states, Romania maintains rigorous enforcement under Law 143/2000 on preventing and combating illicit drug trafficking.
Festival organizers and local authorities faced scrutiny post-event, with DIICOT investigating potential broader drug issues at the venue. Khalifa apologized shortly after the arrest via social media, stating he "didn't mean any disrespect to the country of Romania" and was unaware of local laws.
The case has drawn international attention, with fans and cannabis advocates criticizing the severity, while Romanian officials defend the ruling as upholding public order. Observers note similar past incidents involving foreign artists have resulted in fines rather than jail time, suggesting the appeal may succeed in mitigation.
As proceedings continue, Khalifa remains free pending final resolution, with no immediate extradition or enforcement expected. The outcome could set precedents for foreign performers in Romania.
Romania's drug laws classify cannabis as a "risk" substance, with possession for personal use punishable by up to three years, though probation or fines are common for minor cases. Public consumption aggravates penalties.
The rapper, known for hits like "Black and Yellow" and advocacy for cannabis legalization in the U.S., has faced prior legal issues related to marijuana but none resulting in significant incarceration.
This development underscores ongoing global disparities in cannabis regulation, even as attitudes shift worldwide.
