BUCHAREST, Romania – American rapper Wiz Khalifa has been sentenced to nine months in jail for drug possession by a Romanian court. This decision follows an incident last year during the Beach, Please! Festival in Costinesti, where he allegedly smoked cannabis on stage.
In July 2024, Romanian police stopped Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, and discovered he had over 18 grams of cannabis. Prosecutors noted he even consumed some while performing.
The Constanta Court of Appeal convicted him of “possession of dangerous drugs, without right, for personal consumption.” This sentence comes after a lower court initially fined him 3,600 lei (about $830) for the same charge. Prosecutors found this too lenient and sought a harsher penalty, which led to the recent ruling.
Romania has strict drug laws, especially regarding cannabis. Simple possession can lead to prison sentences ranging from three months to two years or hefty fines. This law contrasts sharply with attitudes in many U.S. states, where cannabis is increasingly legalized or decriminalized.
As for Khalifa, it’s unclear if Romanian authorities will push for his extradition to serve the sentence. He is a U.S. citizen and doesn’t reside in Romania.
Khalifa, now 38, gained fame with his mixtape “Kush + Orange Juice.” He’s known for his laid-back style and often incorporates cannabis themes into his music. User reactions on social media show mixed feelings; some fans criticize the laws, arguing they are outdated, while others believe celebrities should face the same consequences as anyone else.
According to a 2022 survey by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, cannabis use is rising across Europe, signaling a shift in public perception and policy. As debates around drug laws continue globally, cases like Khalifa’s highlight the clash between celebrity culture and strict legal frameworks.
For further insights into Romania’s drug laws, you can refer to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
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Extradition, Law enforcement, Marijuana, Fairs and festivals, Criminal punishment, Prisons, General news, Courts, Drug crimes, Crime, Entertainment, Lifestyle, World news, Article, 128529314
