Cannabis: US rapper, Wiz Khalifa arrested in Romania

US rapper Wiz Khalifa has been charged with illegal drug possession after performing at a seaside festival in Romania, where he allegedly consumed cannabis on stage, Romanian prosecutors said Sunday.

The hip-hop star was headlining at the “Beach, Please!” festival in the Romanian village of Costinesti on the shore of the Black Sea, when he got caught with the drug early Sunday, according to local authorities.

Who is Wiz Khalifa?

Wiz Khalifa is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor.

Born Cameron Jibril Thomaz on September 8, 1987, in Minot, North Dakota, he is known for his smooth flow, catchy hooks, and lyrics often focusing on marijuana use, wealth, and personal growth.

Wiz Khalifa gained fame with his 2010 single “Black and Yellow,” which became a massive hit and a Pittsburgh Steelers anthem.

He has released several successful albums, including “Rolling Papers” (2011), “O.N.I.F.C.” (2012), “Blacc Hollywood” (2014), and “Khalifa” (2016).

Some of his notable collaborations include “See You Again” (feat. Charlie Puth) for the “Furious 7” soundtrack and “Payphone” with Maroon 5.

Wiz Khalifa has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has won several Billboard Music Awards.

He is also known for his advocacy for marijuana legalization and his “Wiz Khalifa Cannabis Company,” which offers a line of cannabis products.

Cannabis is considered a “risk drug” in Romania and possession is punishable by up to ten years in prison.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant that contains psychoactive compounds that can be used for medicinal, recreational, or industrial purposes.

The main active ingredients are:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): responsible for the “high” effect
• Cannabidiol (CBD): non-psychoactive, with potential health benefits

Cannabis has been used for:

1. Pain relief
2. Nausea reduction
3.  Anxiety and stress relief
4.  Sleep aid
5.  Recreational use

It is available in various forms, including:

– Flowers (buds)
– Edibles (food and drinks)
– Concentrates (oils, waxes, etc.)
– Topicals (creams, lotions)
– Vapes (e-liquids)

Cannabis has a rich history, dating back thousands of years, and its legal status varies by country and state.

Some countries have legalized it for medical or recreational use, while others have stricter laws.

Is Cannabis a recreational drug?

Recreational drugs are substances used for pleasure or leisure activities, rather than for medical or therapeutic purposes. They can be illegal, legal, or available over-the-counter, and their use can have varying effects on individuals and society.

Examples of recreational drugs include:

– Marijuana (cannabis)
– Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)
– Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, psilocybin)
– Opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl)
– Dissociative drugs (e.g., ketamine, PCP)
– Club drugs (e.g., ecstasy, MDMA)

Recreational drug use can have risks, such as:

– Addiction
– Health problems
– Impaired judgment and behavior
– Legal issues
– Dependence and withdrawal

It’s important to note that some recreational drugs are illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences.

Additionally, using recreational drugs can have negative impacts on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Legal status of recreational drugs in Romania

The drug is illegal for recreational and for medical use in Romania.

Although it was legalized for medical use in 2013, it has not been removed from the Table I of high-risk drugs.

This is what makes its use prohibited in Romania, according to authorities.

Video footages on social media show the rapper being escorted from the venue by Romanian authorities.

“During a performance at a music festival held in the resort of Costinesti, the accused was found to have possessed more than 18 grams of cannabis.

“He also consumed (on stage) another quantity in the form of a handmade cigarette,” Romanian anti-organized crime prosecutors (DIICOT) said in a statement on Sunday.

A source close to the investigation confirmed to AFP that Wiz Khalifa, had been taken in for questioning early on Sunday.

Khalifa was subsequently charged, but not kept in custody, the source added.

The investigation into the musician is ongoing, according to prosecutors.

The hip-hop artist often refers to the delights of marijuana in his lyrics.

Legal cannabis companies in the US have drawn celebrity funding or endorsements from known aficionados of marijuana like Wiz Khalifa and veteran rapper, Snoop Dogg.

They have also done the same for actor, Seth Rogen, and former boxing champ, Mike Tyson.

In another recent controversy rocking the music scene in Romania, US rapper Nicki Minaj earlier this month abruptly cancelled her appearance at the Saga Festival in Bucharest.

She cited safety concerns due to upcoming protests as her reason for the decision.

About Romania

Romania, officially known as România in Romanian, is a country located in Eastern and Southeastern Europe.

Here are some key points about Romania:

Geography

Romania is situated north of the Balkan Peninsula, along the Lower Danube River.

The western part of the country is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, which has a coastline along the Black Sea.

Language

The official language is Romanian, but there are also recognized minority languages spoken by various ethnic groups.

Religion

The majority of Romanians identify with Christianity, particularly Romanian Orthodoxy. However, there is also religious diversity.

History

Romania has a rich historical background, including periods of independence, union, and communist rule.

Notable events include the Great Union of 1918 and the country’s transition to democracy in 1989.

Culture

Romania boasts a vibrant cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations, folklore, and traditions.

Visitors can explore medieval towns, castles in Transylvania, and the painted monasteries of Bucovina.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook