Wiz Khalifa Receives Nine-Month Sentence in Romania
Rapper Wiz Khalifa faces a nine-month prison sentence. This follows a Romanian court’s appeal decision. The case stems from a 2024 concert incident. Authorities alleged he smoked cannabis onstage. A final ruling was issued on December 18, 2025. It seems highly unlikely he will serve this time. Extradition from the U.S. is improbable. This legal news highlights differing drug laws. It is a notable event in music news.
The Incident in Costinești
The events occurred in July 2024. Wiz Khalifa performed at the Beach, Please! festival. This festival took place in Costinești, Romania. He was seen smoking a joint on stage. Romanian police detained him after the show. They charged him with illegal cannabis possession. Authorities stated he possessed over 18 grams of cannabis. He also consumed some on stage. This act was considered “ostentatious” by the court. Marijuana remains strictly prohibited under Romanian law. This is a key related detail.
Legal Battle and Final Verdict
Initially, a lower court ruled in April 2025. It imposed a fine of 3,000 lei. This equated to about $690 to $830. However, prosecutors were not satisfied. The Constanța branch of DIICOT appealed this decision. DIICOT handles serious drug-related offenses. The Constanța Court of Appeal agreed with prosecutors. They overturned the fine. A nine-month prison sentence was issued. This sentence was delivered in absentia. The rapper was not present for the proceedings. The ruling is considered final in Romania.
Court’s Rationale for Sentence
The court explained its decision. Judges stated Khalifa’s actions normalized illegal behavior. They felt this encouraged drug use. This was especially concerning for a young audience. The festival is popular with many young people. His “ostentatious” cannabis use sent the wrong message. This was a key factor for the appellate court. It led to a harsher penalty than the initial fine.
Unlikely Extradition Prospects
Despite the prison sentence, serving time is highly improbable. Legal experts point to several reasons. Wiz Khalifa is a U.S. citizen. He resides in the United States. Extradition for nonviolent drug offenses is rare. This is especially true for foreign nationals. U.S. cannabis laws differ significantly from Romania’s. Romania has limited leverage in such international cases. Experts suggest the sentence might be a de facto “persona non grata” declaration. This discourages his return. He remains in the U.S. and has not commented on the final ruling.
Khalifa’s Past Response
Following his initial detention in 2024, Wiz Khalifa issued an apology. He posted on social media. He stated he meant no disrespect to Romania. He acknowledged authorities were respectful. They let him go without issue. He vowed to return, but “without a big ass joint next time.” He has not commented publicly on the recent nine-month sentence. This case has captured trending global attention.
Romania’s Strict Drug Laws
Romania maintains some of Europe’s strictest drug laws. Possession of cannabis for personal use is criminalized. Penalties can range from fines to lengthy prison terms. This contrasts with growing legalization trends in many Western countries. The country has historically taken a tough stance. This is evident in the prosecution of this case. It underscores the gap in global cannabis policy. This news is related to ongoing discussions about drug laws. It impacts the music industry.
Conclusion
The sentence against Wiz Khalifa is final in Romania. However, practical enforcement seems unlikely. The artist continues his life and career in the U.S. The case highlights complex international legal issues. It also draws attention to varying approaches to cannabis. This situation provides a compelling look at trending legal debates.
