Wiz Khalifa facing 9 month prison sentence in Romania is now more than a headline. It is a legal situation that could seriously affect the rapper’s international touring future and public image in Europe.
The Pittsburgh-born artist is currently dealing with a renewed legal setback after a Romanian appeals court reversed an earlier ruling that would have spared him jail time. The case centers on cannabis possession, an offense Romania treats far more severely than many countries where Wiz Khalifa regularly performs.
According to court records cited by TMZ, the Constanta Court of Appeal has upheld a nine month prison sentence for Wiz Khalifa. This decision overturns a previous judgment that imposed only a financial penalty of 3,000 Romanian lei, roughly 700 US dollars.
The revised ruling classifies the offense as unlawful possession of dangerous drugs for personal use. Under Romanian law, this category carries strict penalties, even when the substance is intended solely for personal consumption.
Sources close to the rapper say the ruling is not final. His legal team is reportedly preparing a formal appeal, with hopes of avoiding incarceration entirely. As of now, Wiz Khalifa has not publicly commented on the latest court decision.
The case dates back to July 2024, when Wiz Khalifa was arrested shortly after performing at the Beach Please! Festival in Costinesti, a popular seaside resort on Romania’s Black Sea coast.
During his performance, the rapper was seen smoking what appeared to be a cannabis joint on stage while dancing to Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s track “The Next Episode.” The moment quickly spread online and drew the attention of local authorities.
Romanian officials later confirmed that Wiz Khalifa had been found in possession of 18.53 grams of cannabis, along with a cigarette containing cannabis. Authorities stated that the substance was intended for personal use.
Following his arrest, Wiz Khalifa addressed the situation directly on X, formerly Twitter. In his post, he apologized to Romanian fans and officials, emphasizing that no disrespect was intended.
He wrote that the show had been incredible and praised local authorities for their professionalism. He also acknowledged the incident with humor, promising to return to Romania in the future without repeating the mistake.
Despite the lighthearted tone of the message, Romanian law enforcement continued to pursue the case, leading to the current sentencing threat.
Romania maintains some of the toughest drug legislation in Eastern Europe. Even small amounts of cannabis can result in criminal charges, fines, or prison sentences depending on circumstances and prior rulings.
While cannabis use has become normalized in parts of North America and Western Europe, Romanian courts still treat public possession and consumption as serious offenses. Legal experts note that foreign artists are not exempt from these standards, regardless of their global status.
This strict approach has caught several international performers off guard in the past, particularly those accustomed to more relaxed laws elsewhere.
The legal trouble does little to change Wiz Khalifa’s public image as one of hip hop’s most outspoken cannabis advocates. Earlier this year, he discussed his daily routine during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
When asked whether he really smokes around 30 joints a day, Wiz confirmed the number without hesitation. He explained that his lifestyle includes workouts, parenting, studio sessions, and travel, all woven around his cannabis use.
Jimmy Kimmel pointed out that the math worked out to nearly two joints per hour while awake. Wiz Khalifa laughed and replied that the number did not seem excessive to him.
For now, the rapper remains free while the appeals process continues. Legal observers say the final outcome could range from a reduced sentence to a reinstated fine, depending on how the court views the appeal.
If the nine month sentence is enforced, it could complicate Wiz Khalifa’s ability to tour or travel within parts of Europe. Until a final decision is reached, the case stands as a reminder that local laws apply, even to global stars.
