American rapper Wiz Khalifa was charged with drug possession by Romanian authorities on Sunday after allegedly consuming marijuana during his performance at the “Beach, Please!” festival in Costinesti. The 36-year-old artist, born Cameron Jibril Thomaz, headlined the event, where prosecutors stated he was found with over 18 grams of cannabis and consumed some on stage in the form of a handmade cigarette.
The Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) in Romania is handling the case and has not yet concluded its investigation. Video footage circulating on social media shows police escorting Khalifa from the festival grounds.
Addressing the incident on X (formerly Twitter), Khalifa expressed that he did not intend to disrespect Romania by using marijuana during his performance. He acknowledged the respectfulness of the officers who released him following the incident. “Last night’s show was amazing. I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage. They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big ass joint next time,” he wrote.
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Khalifa is well-known for his openness about marijuana use, frequently referencing it in his music. In the United States, cannabis is legal for recreational use in 24 states and for medical purposes in 14 others. However, Romania classifies cannabis as a “risk drug,” with possession punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
In 2016, Khalifa launched his own line of marijuana products, including a personalized strain called Khalifa Kush, through a partnership with RiverRock Cannabis in Colorado. These products are now available in dispensaries across the U.S. Additionally, Khalifa has a media company focused on marijuana-related projects and a mobile app named Wiz Khalifa’s Weed Farm, released on April 20th, a date celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts.
The incident in Romania highlights the differing legal landscapes surrounding marijuana use worldwide and underscores the importance of understanding local laws when traveling. Khalifa’s respectful acknowledgment of the situation and his commitment to comply with Romanian laws in the future reflect his awareness of these differences.
