American rapper Wiz Khalifa has reportedly been sentenced to nine months in prison following an incident in which he was accused of smoking cannabis on stage during a performance in Rome, Italy.
The ruling has sparked widespread debate online, especially among fans who were surprised by the severity of the sentence and the strict enforcement of drug laws in some European countries.
According to reports, the incident occurred while the award-winning artist was performing before a large crowd in the Italian capital. Footage circulating on social media allegedly showed the rapper lighting and smoking what authorities later identified as cannabis while still on stage.
Law enforcement officers are said to have taken note of the act, leading to investigations that culminated in legal action against the musician.
Italian drug laws remain relatively strict compared to policies in parts of the United States, where recreational and medicinal cannabis has been legalized in several states.
In Italy, possession and public use of cannabis can still attract criminal penalties, particularly when committed openly and in highly public settings. Prosecutors reportedly argued that smoking cannabis on stage amounted to promoting illegal drug use, especially to a young and impressionable audience.
The court is said to have considered the public nature of the act in delivering the nine-month prison sentence, emphasizing that celebrity status does not place anyone above the law.
While the sentence has been confirmed, it remains unclear whether Wiz Khalifa will actually serve time behind bars, as legal experts point to possible appeals or alternative penalties such as fines or suspended sentences, depending on further legal proceedings.
Wiz Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, has long been associated with cannabis culture, often referencing it openly in his music and interviews. This has been a defining part of his public image and brand, making the case particularly symbolic in the ongoing global conversation about drug laws, cultural differences, and artistic freedom.
