Diplopterys cabrerana is not specifically a controlled species in the United States. Live plants and seeds are bought and sold and are not generally considered illegal. However, DMT, one of the chemicals contained in the plant, is Schedule I in the U.S. Practically, this means that if an extraction is done on DMT containing Diplopterys species, the resulting DMT is illegal to possess.

Large scale (especially commercial) extraction of DMT from Diplopterys species falls into the realm of "clearly illegal" and would very likely be prosecuted. We are also aware of one case in which a relatively large quantity of Diplopterys cabrerana was imported into the U.S. and stopped at the border by customs. The individual who attempted to import it is being prosecuted for importation of a schedule I substance. The case has yet to be decided.