Wiz Khalifa's Drug Conviction Stands After Romanian Court Rejects Appeal

Wiz Khalifa will not escape his nine-month prison sentence for cannabis possession in Romania. The Constanța Court of Appeal rejected the rapper's attempt to overturn the conviction this week, marking another legal setback in a case that began during a festival appearance last year.

The appellate court deemed Khalifa's request to annul the December 2024 ruling inadmissible and also rejected his motion to suspend the sentence. He was initially arrested while performing at the Beach, Please! festival in Constanța County after smoking marijuana on stage. Police later discovered more than 18 grams of cannabis in his possession.

Romania's drug laws rank among Europe's strictest. Possession of cannabis—even for personal use—carries penalties ranging from three months to two years in prison or criminal fines. A lower court initially fined Khalifa 3,600 lei (approximately $830) in April 2024, but prosecutors appealed, arguing the penalty didn't fit the quantity of drugs found. The trial court subsequently replaced that fine with a custodial sentence in December.

Following his arrest, Khalifa posted on social media: "I didn't mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage. They were very respectful and let me go." He also indicated willingness to return to perform "without a joint next time."

The bigger question now involves extradition. Romanian authorities have not confirmed whether they'll pursue bringing Khalifa back to serve the sentence, and his representatives have not responded to requests for comment. Entering Romania voluntarily could result in immediate arrest, making future performances there a genuine legal risk. The rapper, whose brand partnerships center on cannabis products, appears unlikely to visit the country soon.