Cannabis Capsules Recipe
Cannabis capsules are the most precise, tasteless, and discreet way to consume edibles. No cannabis smell, no taste, exact dosing every time — just fill empty gel caps with your infused MCT oil. Perfect for medical users, microdosers, and anyone who wants consistent, repeatable results.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 batch infused MCT oil or coconut oil (pre-calculated with BatchCraft)
- 30–60 empty size 00 gel caps or vegan caps
- 1 oral syringe or dropper (1ml)
- 1 capsule filling tray (optional but recommended)
- Small sauce pan for warming oil (if solid)
Tips
- MCT oil stays liquid — easier than coconut oil
- Capsule filling trays hold 24 or 50 caps at once
- Add lecithin to oil to improve absorption
- Vegan HPMC capsules available for non-gelatin option
- Store coconut oil caps in fridge to prevent melting
Capsule Size Guide
| Size | Volume | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 000 | 1.37ml | Large dose batches | Large, hard to swallow |
| Size 00 ★ | 0.90ml | Most home recipes | Recommended — good balance |
| Size 0 | 0.68ml | Moderate doses | Easy to swallow |
| Size 1 | 0.50ml | Low/microdoses | Smallest practical size |
Instructions
Decarboxylate and infuse your cannabis into MCT oil or coconut oil. Use the BatchCraft calculator to confirm the mg per ml of your finished oil before filling caps.
If using coconut oil, gently warm until liquid. Do not boil. Keep temperature below 50°C (122°F) to preserve potency.
Separate the capsule halves. Stand the bottom halves in a capsule tray or an upturned piece of cardboard with holes poked through.
Use the oral syringe or dropper to fill each capsule. Size 00 caps hold ~0.9ml of oil. Size 0 holds ~0.68ml. Calculate your target dose to determine fill amount.
Cap each filled bottom with the top half and press firmly until you feel a click. Check for any leaks and wipe clean.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Coconut oil capsules must be refrigerated or they will melt. MCT oil capsules are stable at room temperature.
Calculate Your Capsule Dose
Before filling a single cap, know exactly how many mg THC are in each ml of your infused oil. BatchCraft gives you the exact number.
Open Potency Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
What size capsules are best for cannabis oil?
Size 00 capsules are the most popular — they hold about 0.9ml of oil. Size 0 holds 0.68ml. Size 000 (the largest) holds about 1.37ml but is quite large to swallow. Most home capsule makers use size 00 for a balance of fill volume and swallowability.
How many mg of THC should I put in each capsule?
This depends entirely on your tolerance and goals. Common doses: beginners 5mg, casual users 10mg, experienced 15–25mg, high tolerance 25–50mg. Use the BatchCraft calculator to determine how many ml of your infused oil equals your target mg dose, then fill to that volume.
MCT oil vs coconut oil for cannabis capsules — which is better?
MCT oil is superior for capsules: it stays liquid at room temperature (no melting), has faster absorption, neutral taste, and higher bioavailability than coconut oil. Coconut oil capsules must be refrigerated or they liquify and leak. If you already have coconut oil infusion, refrigeration solves the problem.
How long do cannabis capsules take to kick in?
Capsules take the longest of any edible to kick in — typically 60–120 minutes because the gelatin shell must dissolve and the oil must digest before absorption begins. On an empty stomach it can be 45–60 minutes. After a meal, expect 90–180 minutes. Do not redose before 3 hours.
Do I need to decarboxylate for capsules?
Yes — absolutely. Raw cannabis contains THCA not THC. Without decarboxylation (heating to convert THCA → THC), your capsules will have no psychoactive effect. Decarb at 240°F (115°C) for 40 minutes before infusing your oil.