Have you ever wanted to make your own cannabis capsules? If you’re looking for a simple, tasteless, and super discreet way to enjoy cannabis, you’ve come to the right place.We’ll cover everything you need to get started, the different ways you can fill your capsules, whether it’s with flower, oils, or even concentrates, and all the little tips I’ve picked up along the way. Let’s dive in and make some capsules!
Table of Contents
- Recipe Features
- Why You Will Love This Guide
- How To Fill Cannabis Capsules Recipe
- What You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Materials to Get Started
- Filling Options
- Determining Final Product Potency
- What Are The Benefits of Capsules?
- A More Potent Experience
- Longer Onset & Duration Times
- Convenient and Discrete
- Less Cannabis Taste
- Final Thoughts
- More Articles You Will Love
Recipe Features
- Options included: flower, oil, concentrates, and more
- Plus: Tips for making the capsule filling process easier
- Want to make it easy? Shop my high-quality cannabis products and have them delivered directly to your door!
Why You Will Love This Guide
You’re probably familiar with taking medications in capsule form. They’re convenient, easy to swallow, and ready when you need them. I always thought, why can’t my cannabis be that simple? Well, it can!
I’ve been making my own for a while now, and I absolutely love how convenient they are. I’m going to share my personal process with you, from start to finish.
We’re simply filling empty capsules with various cannabis products. It’s a fantastic consumption method that many people have fallen in love with.
Members of my Well With Cannabis Community are always sharing their capsule creations, noting that swallowing a capsule is a quick, effective, and virtually tasteless way to get their daily dose of cannabis.
Here in this guide, I’ll walk you through the different filling options, help you choose the right materials, and show you exactly how to fill the capsules yourself. It’s my goal to make this process feel easy and approachable, so you can feel confident making your own!
How To Fill Cannabis Capsules
Ingredients
- 3.5 grams ground cannabis flower
- 100 each empty size "00" capsules
Instructions
Filling Capsules with Dry Flower
- First things first, make sure your cannabis filling is ready to go. If you're using flower, it should be decarbed. If you're using oil, have it nearby. I like to lay out all my tools on a clean surface to keep things organized.
- After you have decided to decarb or not, grind the flower into a fine powder using a hand grinder or coffee grinder.
- Once that is ready, prepare your workstation with all of the things you will need to get started. This will ensure less mess and an easier process on your part.
- Set up your capsule filling machine according to the machine's directions.
- Fill the capsules according to the capsule filling machine's directions.
- Seal the capsules with the other end according to the capsule filling machine's directions.
- Once prepared, you can store your capsules in an airtight jar or container. These capsules can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for 3-6 months.
Notes
- You do not need to use a capsule filling machine, you can fill the capsules by hand if you wish, but it does make the process quicker and easier.
- I used size “00” capsules in this guide, but you can choose a size that is right for you using the size chart above.
Nutrition
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather our supplies. You don’t need a lot of fancy gear, but having the right tools makes the process much smoother.
- Your Cannabis Filling: This is the fun part! You can use just decarbed flower, already vaped flower, infused oils, concentrates like FECO, or even leftover pulp. We’ll explore all these options in detail below so you can choose what’s best for you.
- Empty Capsules: The type and size you choose are important, I am using size “00” capsules for this demonstration. I’ll break down the options in the next section to help you decide.
- Capsule Filling Machine (Optional but Recommended): You can fill capsules by hand, but trust me, a filling machine makes it so much faster and less messy. It’s a small investment that pays for itself in time and sanity.
- Glass Jars for Storage: You’ll want an airtight container to keep your finished capsules fresh. Amber glass jars are great because they protect the contents from light.
- Syringe or Dropper (for oils): If you’re using liquids, a small syringe or a glass dropper will give you precise control and help you avoid spills.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Decide On Your Filling: You can use just decarbed flower, already vaped flower, infused oils, concentrates like FECO, or even leftover pulp.
- If Your Filling with Dry Flower: Select the type of flower you want to use and decide if you want to decarboxylate first before getting started. Decarbing will activate the THC or CBD in your product. Note: If you do not decarb, you will reap the benefits of THCA or CBDA, which are non intoxicating.
- Grind the Material: After you have decided what material you will be using, if needed, grind it into a fine powder using a hand grinder or an electric grinder.
- Set Up Your Machine: If you’re using a capsule filling machine, set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involvesseparating the capsule bodies and caps into the different parts of the tray.
- Fill the Capsules: Now, it’s time to fill ’em up! If you’re using a dry powder like ground flower, you’ll pour it over the tray and use the included spreader to fill the capsule bodies. If you’re using an oil, you’ll use a syringe or dropper to fill each capsule individually.
- Tamper the Capsules: If you’re using dry flower, you can use the included tamper to gently press the material down into the capsule. This allows you to add more flower, ensuring a consistent fill and more even dosing.
- Seal the Capsules: Once filled, place the top part of the filling machine on, press down firmly to join the caps and bodies, and you’re done! You now have a batch of perfectly sealed cannabis capsules.
- Store the Capsules: Once your capsules are sealed, transfer them to an airtight container like these Amber glass jars to protect them from air exposure. Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet, to prevent heat and light from degrading the cannabinoids. For extended shelf life, consider refrigerating or freezing your capsules, especially if they contain oil-based infusions. Always label your container with the date and dosage for easy reference, and keep it out of reach of children or pets.
Materials to Get Started
Choosing the right capsules is probably the most important decision you’ll make. It affects your dose, the type of filling you can use, and the overall experience. Let’s break it down.
Choose Your Ideal Serving Size
Capsules come in different sizes, most commonly ranging from “00” (the largest) to “2” (smaller). The size you pick determines how much filling it can hold, which directly impacts the potency of each capsule.
Here’s a general idea of what each size can hold:
- Size “00”: Holds about 735 mg of powder or 0.95 mL of liquid.
- Size “0”: Holds about 500 mg of powder or 0.68 mL of liquid.
- Size “1”: Holds about 400 mg of powder or 0.50 mL of liquid.
I personally use “00” capsules most often, but if you’re looking for a smaller dose, you might prefer a smaller size. Consistency is key, so once you find a size you like, stick with it!
Choose the Right Type of Capsule
This is crucial: not all capsules are created equal. Some are designed for dry powders, while others are made to hold liquids without dissolving.
- Recommend for filling with dry ingredients
- Recommend for filling with liquid or oil
- Vegetarian capsules for dry or liquid
- Gelatin Capsules (for dry fillings): These are the most common and are perfect for filling with decarbed flower, kief, or leftover pulp. They will dissolve if you put oil in them, so avoid that.
- Oil-Resistant or Enteric-Coated Capsules (for liquids): If you’re filling your capsules with cannabis oil or FECO, you need to use capsules specifically designed for liquids. They won’t leak or fall apart.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Capsules: If you avoid animal products, there are plenty of plant-based capsule options available, usually made from cellulose. Many of these are suitable for both dry and liquid fillings.
⭐ Make sure to read the product description carefully when buying your capsules to ensure they match the filling you plan to use.
Filling Options
This is where you can get creative. There are so many different ways to fill your capsules, and the right choice for you will depend on your personal preferences, tolerance, and what you have on hand.
Always remember the golden rule when trying something new: start low and go slow while experimenting to find what dose is right for you.
Flower or Kief
Using dried cannabis flower is one of the simplest methods. Just remember, the cannabis needs to be decarbed to be activated first to feel the effects of THC or CBD.
Non-Decarboxylated Flower
If you’re interested in the potential benefits of raw cannabis and cannabinoid acids like THCA and CBDA, you can fill your capsules with finely ground, non-decarboxylated flower.
Remember, these compounds are not intoxicating, so you won’t feel a “high,” but some people find them beneficial for wellness.
Decarboxylated Flower
For the full effects of THC or CBD, you’ll need to decarboxylate your flower first.
This just means baking it in the oven at a low temperature to convert the THCA into THC and CBDA into CBD. Once it’s decarbed and cooled, I like to grind it into a fine powder using a coffee grinder. This makes it easier to pack into the capsules.
Decarb Times
- THCA → Δ9-THC – bake at 240°F/116°C for 40 minutes
- CBDA → CBD – bake at 240°F/116°C for 90 minutes
- CBGA → CBG – bake at 220°F/105°C for 60 minutes
- Δ9-THC → CBN – bake at 240°F/116°C for 180 minutes
Using Already Vaped Flower (AVF)
If you already use a dry herb vaporizer, you’re in luck! The flower left behind after vaping, often called Already Vaped Flower (AVF), is a convenient option for making capsules.
Since the vaping process naturally decarboxylates the cannabis, AVF is ready to use without any additional heating. All you need to do is grind it into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or similar tool.
This transforms the AVF into a consistency that’s easy to work with and perfect for packing into capsules. Not only is this a great way to reduce waste, but it also allows you to get the most out of your cannabis in a simple, sustainable way.
Capsules Made with Kief
If you want a more potent experience, making capsules with kief is an amazing option. Kief is the collection of trichomes that fall off the flower, and it’s very concentrated.
Because it’s so potent, a little goes a long way. You might only need a small amount to achieve your desired dose. You can fill the remaining space in the capsule with a carrier oil, which is perfect for absorption with fat.
If you’ve never worked with kief before, you can get my guide to decarbing and making edibles with kief here.
Important: Pair These Capsules With A Meal
If you fill your capsules with just dry flower or kief, it’s a good idea to take them with a meal or snack that contains some fat.
Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, which means your body absorbs them much more efficiently when they’re consumed with fats like olive oil, avocado, or nuts. Studies have shown this can increase bioavailability by 2.5-3x times.
Fill Capsules with Various Cannabis Oils
Using infused oil is another favorite method because the fat is already built-in, ensuring great absorption. Plus, it’s easy to calculate the dose per capsule. Just be sure to use capsules designed for liquids!
Cannabutter Capsules
Have leftover cannabutter? Put it in a capsule! While not technically an oil, you can make cannabis capsules filled with cannabutter from the crockpot, Instant pot, or even CBD cannabutter.
Simply melt the butter gently until it’s liquid, then use a dropper to fill your caps. It’s a great way to use up extra butter without having to taste it if you’re not a fan of the flavor.
Cannabis Coconut Oil Capsules
Cannabis-infused coconut oil is incredibly popular and works perfectly in capsules. The process is the same as with cannabutter: gently warm the oil until it’s liquid, then fill. Coconut oil is fantastic because it’s rich in MCTs, which can help with absorption.
Cannabis MCT Oil Capsules
MCT oil is a very popular carrier for infusions because it stays liquid at room temperature and is absorbed quickly. However, some people experience digestive upset with MCT oil, so I suggest testing your tolerance before making a large batch of capsules.
Cannabis Olive Oil Capsules
If you prefer to avoid coconut products, cannabis-infused olive oil is an excellent alternative. It’s a healthy fat that is well-tolerated by most people and works just as well for filling capsules.
CBD Oil Capsules
You can fill capsules with either store-bought or homemade CBD oil. This is perfect for anyone who wants the benefits of CBD without the earthy taste of a sublingual tincture.
You can purchase high-quality CBD oil from my shop or make your own CBD oil at home using CBD flowers.
CBN Oil Capsules
Known as the “sleepy cannabinoid,” CBN is becoming popular for promoting restful sleep. Making CBN oil capsules to take before bed can be a game-changer. The delayed onset of an edible is actually a benefit here, as it can help the effects kick in right when you’re ready to drift off.
You can make CBN oil at home or buy it from my shop online.
Full-Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO/RSO) Capsules
FECO, also known as RSO, is a very potent, full-spectrum concentrate. While it’s often taken sublingually, the taste can be intense and bitter. Putting it in a capsule is a great solution.
A word of caution: FECO is incredibly strong. A dose is often the size of a grain of rice. If you’re new to it, start with a tiny amount. You can add a small drop to a capsule and fill the rest with a carrier oil like MCT or olive oil to create a more manageable dose.
Concentrate Capsules
You can also use other cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, or rosin to fill capsules. These must be decarbed first. Like FECO, these are highly potent, so this option is best for those with a high tolerance or medical users who need a large dose.
If you are interested in filling capsules with concentrates, check out my guide to making edibles with cannabis concentrates first.
Leftover Cannabis Pulp
Don’t throw away that leftover cannabis pulp after you make an oil infusion! While most of the cannabinoids have been extracted, there’s still some good stuff left in there. The taste isn’t always pleasant, so putting it into a capsule is the perfect way to use it up without any waste. I dry the pulp out completely on a baking sheet before grinding it into a powder and filling my capsules.
Determining Final Product Potency
The trickiest part of making your own edibles is knowing the exact dose. Without expensive lab testing, it’s impossible to get a precise number. This can make accurate dosing a bit of a guessing game and increases the risk of taking too much or too little.
That’s why I always recommend starting with a single capsule and waiting at least two hours to see how it affects you. You can also use my edible dosage calculator to get a good estimate of the potency of your final product. It helps you account for the starting material’s potency and the amount of oil or flower you’re using.
📈🧠📚 Example – Calculating the Dose:
For the pictures in this pose, I used 1 ounce of decarbed CBD flower. Based on lab tests, I knew the CBD flower was 19% CBDA. The entire ounce was evenly split into 100 capsules. Let’s do the math! 👇
Step 1: Convert flower potency to mg per gram
- 19% CBD = 190 mg CBD per gram of flower.
Step 2: Account for decarboxylation loss
- Typical loss is ~12%, so multiply by 0.88.
- 190 mg × 0.88 = 167.2 mg CBD per gram after decarb.
Step 3: Total CBD in your batch
- 1 ounce = 28 grams.
- 28 g × 167.2 mg/g = 4,681.6 mg CBD in the entire batch.
Step 4: CBD per capsule
- 4,681.6 mg ÷ 100 capsules = ~46.8 mg CBD per capsule.
If you infused the flower into oil first:
- Using my Edible Dosage Calculator: Choose your oil (e.g., MCT oil) and enter the number of cups used in Step 1. The calculator will show mg per teaspoon; then in Step 2 you can enter how many teaspoons you used to fill capsules to get per-serving results. Otherwise, you can calculate per capsule by:
- Determine mL per capsule size (00 ≈ 0.9–1.0 mL; 0 ≈ 0.68 mL).
- Convert the calculator’s mg per teaspoon to mg per mL (1 tsp = 4.93 mL).
- mg per mL × mL per capsule = mg per capsule.
What Are The Benefits of Capsules?
Swallowing a cannabis capsule is just like eating an edible. Your body processes it through the digestive system, which leads to a unique experience compared to smoking or vaping.
Consuming cannabis capsules will provide you with a different experience, or ‘high,’ than if you were to smoke or vape cannabis, apply it topically, or use it sublingually.
This process is also influenced by physiological factors, such as metabolism, body weight, absorption rates, and the unique endocannabinoid system. The experience of edibles can vary significantly from person to person.
A More Potent Experience
When you eat cannabis, your liver converts THC into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This is why edibles can feel much stronger and more psychoactive for many people.
Longer Onset & Duration Times
Capsules take longer to kick in, anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. But once they do, the effects last much longer, often for 6 to 8 hours. This prolonged relief is one of the main reasons people love capsules.
Convenient and Discrete
This is a huge benefit for me. Capsules are odorless, easy to carry, and look just like any other supplement. You can take them anywhere without drawing any attention.
Less Cannabis Taste
Let’s be honest, not everyone loves the taste of cannabis. If you find the flavor of oils or butters too strong, capsules are the perfect solution. You get all the benefits with none of the taste.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis capsules offer an incredible combination of convenience, discretion, and long-lasting effects, making them an excellent option if you’re looking to incorporate cannabis them into your wellness routine.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring new ways to consume cannabis or someone looking to simplify your usage, capsules provide a reliable and easy-to-use solution.
With no strong cannabis taste and the ability to easily measure your dosage, they are perfect for anyone seeking a seamless, enjoyable experience. Give them a try and discover how they can enhance your health and lifestyle!
Take your edibles to the next level…
My Edibles Made Easy Online Cooking Course will teach you how to easily make cannabis edibles and topical recipes at home. This step-by-step video course will teach you how to infuse, extract, and create edibles with many different product types – all from the comfort of your own home.
More Articles You Will Love
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How to Make Cannabis Oil Powder
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Dry Herb Vaporizer: A Safer Alternative To Smoking?
Articles & How-To Guides
Should You Grind Cannabis For Edibles?
Cannabis Infusions & Extractions
How to Make AVB Edibles with Already Vaped Bud
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I was looking for edible chocolate. I would like to order some chocolate.
Hello Nancy, you can purchase my infused chocolates here.
I have a Volcano vaporizer because I have asthma. Storz & Bickel ran tests and found the duff can retain up to 48.5ish% of its THC. I’ve been making chocolates with it by first soaking the duff in cheesecloth teabags until the water stops turning brown, and then washing the butter to get the bad tasting chlorophyl out (after butter sets in fridge, melt it, add equal volume of water, stir thoroughly, set in fridge, discard trash water) but I can’t carry cupcakes or chocolate truffles around.
Can I just capsule up the washed duff?
Yes William, you can definitely capsule the washed duff! Just make sure it’s fully dried before filling the capsules to avoid moisture issues. It’s a super convenient way to carry and dose on the go.
Hi Emily I tried your recipe and method, I apologise for the stupid question but I am stuck at how many teaspoons. I used 60g flower ( 10%) 2 cups of MCT Oil, size 00 capsules and made 50 capsules now for the life of me I cannot calculate what each capsule is. I am desperately need to take them for my anxiety and arthritis. Please help again sorry for the silly question.
Hi Nevanna. First, there is no such thing as a silly question, especially when it comes to your health and nutrition. Using our online calculator, I was able to determine that your 2 cups of MCT oil, after decarboxylation, is roughly 4,735mg total. If you divide that into 50 capsules, that would be roughly 94mg per capsule. Feel free to use our calculator at any time during your edible adventures: https://emilykylenutrition.com/edible-dosage-calculator/. We’re happy to help!
Hi Guys, looking forward to trying capsules🤩How can I use the calculator if filling with dry flower? When I select no oil or solvent used and 0 cups the calculation is incomplete. What options should I choose to get an accurate calculation?
Thanks
Thanks for your interest in making capsules, Eoghan 😊 With the calculator, the only row you’re going to be concerned about is Total mg of THC under ‘Potency Results for the Entire Batch’. This number will stay the same whether you put in 1-2 cups. Divide this number by the number of capsules you’ve made, and you’ll have your answer! I hope this helps.
Hi Emily-
Is there a link for the blue capsule filling station pictured? It looks very handy. Thank you for all you do and your great recipes!
Hi April. Here’s the link for the capsule filling tray: https://amzn.to/3Zq7ujl – Thank you for your kind words and continued support!
Hi Emily! Thank you for this information. I have pulp from an alcohol tincture. #Q Can I dry it out in oven or air dry to use for capsules?
Hi Shinika. Air drying is recommended since alcohol is extremely flammable. Spread out the leftover pulp on a baking sheet and leave uncovered. Allow to air dry for a few days, stirring frequently. Feel the material to see how moist or dry it is. Once completely dried, you can use in capsules. ☺️
I have filled some capsules with leftover canna butter sludge. How do you recommend storing them? I put them in a jar in fridge after I filled them last night, but I’m concerned about the moisture effecting the capsules. Unless I missed that section in article above, then apologies!
Hi Jenny. If the capsules are made for oil and stored in an airtight jar, they can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for 3-6 months. ☺️
Hi there the gorgeous Emily Kyle. Are capsules filled with flower powerful? I’m usually a bong man, but I need better ways to ingest flower with potency.
Bless Moses x
Hi Moses. When cannabis is swallowed and processed through the digestive system, it can produce a more potent, powerful, and intoxicating experience for many people. It is quite a different experience than smoking from a bong, but possibly closer to the experience you are looking for. I hope this helps!
Hi, when using the pulp do you recommend drying it out first? Thanks
Hi there, Marie! If it’s pulp leftover from an alcohol infusion, yes, but if is from an oil infusion, it will likely not dry out 🙂
Your recipe for capsules where u use 3.5 oz of infused oil and 100 capsules. Do u know how many mg are in each capsule?
For the recipe you mentioned, where you’re using 3.5 oz of infused oil and 100 capsules, the total mg per capsule will depend on the potency of your infused oil. To calculate this, you’ll first need to know how many milligrams of cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc.) are in 1 mL of your infused oil. If you’ve had your oil tested or know the strength, this is usually expressed as mg/mL.
Once you have that number, you can determine the dose per capsule. Since 3.5 oz equals about 103.5 mL, you would divide the total cannabinoids in the 3.5 oz of oil by 100 capsules to get the mg per capsule. For example, if your oil has 20 mg/mL, multiply that by 103.5 to find the total amount of cannabinoids in your batch (which would be 2,070 mg), then divide by 100 capsules to find the mg per capsule (20.7 mg each in this example). From there, you can adjust the potency by diluting or concentrating the oil if needed.
I hope this helps clarify things for you! If you need more specific guidance or help with math for your particular oil, feel free to reach out anytime.
Thanks for such an informative article! I understand everyone’s limits are different, but how many 00 capsules do you personally consume to get a buzz?
Hey Sophie, I personally find capsules too strong for me. One 00 capsules can hold at least a half-gram (500mg), and with a 17% THC strain, that’s about 75mg, which is way more than I need! I’m comfortable in the 5-10mg THC range, but like you said, everyone is different!
Thank you for the helpful information, very informative. One thing, raw, dried flower does not need to be decarboxylated to produce the “high” or intoxicating feeling.
I regularly consume small, raw buds in the morning with my other supplements and the effects begin within a couple of hours. This has been something I’ve done off and on for three decades (not just in the mornings). I enjoy edibles, but sometimes popping a piece of raw flower in my mouth is much easier.
I am so happy you have found something that works for you, Kay! However, not everyone is as lucky, and most people need decarboxylation to take place to covert the THCA into enough THC to feel the intoxicating effect.