How to Turn Regular Cigarettes into Capsule Cigarettes at Home

Capsule cigarettes — sometimes called “click cigarettes” or “crushball cigarettes” — contain a small, liquid-filled capsule embedded in the filter. When you squeeze (crush) the capsule between your fingers, it releases flavored liquid that soaks into the filter, adding a burst of menthol, mint, fruit, or other flavors to the smoke [citation:10].

• Pre-made capsule cigarettes: Brands like Canadian Crush sell pre-made cigarettes with capsules already in the filter. These are convenient but often more expensive.
• DIY capsule cigarettes: Using crush balls and an injector tool, you can add capsules to any standard cigarette. This allows you to customize the flavor and type of capsule while using your preferred cigarette brand [citation:7].

• 📦 1. Flavor Capsules (“Crush Balls”): Small, liquid-filled capsules (typically 3.8mm in diameter). Available in dozens of flavors including menthol, mint, watermelon, grape, cherry, blueberry, and more [citation:3][citation:7].
• 🔧 2. Insertion Tool (Injector): A pen-like device that helps you poke a hole in the cigarette filter and insert the capsule without crushing it prematurely. Some tools are pocket-sized (8cm x 2.2cm x 1.5cm) and can fit inside a cigarette pack [citation:9].
• 🚬 3. Cigarettes: Any standard cigarette with a filter. Native cigarettes from Cigstore.ca work perfectly — and at $29-55 per carton, they’re a great budget option.
• 📋 4. Optional: Container for Capsules: Many capsule products come in a hinged-lid box that doubles as a dispenser, allowing you to easily pick up a capsule with the insertion tool [citation:10].

📊 Popular Capsule Flavors

• 🍃 Menthol / Mint: The most popular — provides cooling sensation [citation:7].
• 🍉 Fruit flavors: Watermelon, grape, cherry, blueberry, tropical mix [citation:3].
• 🍹 Beverage flavors: Some capsules mimic cocktails or soft drinks [citation:6].

For frequent use, consider purchasing a dedicated pocket injector device. These small plastic tools are designed specifically for inserting capsules into cigarette filters and often include a built-in capsule dispenser [citation:9].

• 📏 Compact size: Most injectors measure about 8cm x 2.2cm x 1.5cm — small enough to fit inside a cigarette pack [citation:9].
• 🔄 Refillable: Many devices can be refilled with new capsules; simply pull out the end where the capsules are stored and reload [citation:9].
• ⚡ Quick insertion: With practice, the entire process takes just a few seconds per cigarette [citation:9].
• 🎯 No lost capsules: These devices are designed to prevent capsules from rolling away or falling on the floor [citation:9].

📜 Legal Status in Canada

• Flavor capsules themselves are not illegal to possess or use in Canada.
• However, flavored cigarettes (pre-made with capsules) are subject to the federal Tobacco and Vaping Products Act. The sale of flavored tobacco products — including menthol — has been banned in Canada since 2017, with the exception of Indigenous-manufactured products .
• Using DIY crush balls on commercial cigarettes may be a legal grey area — but possession of the capsules themselves is generally permitted.
• Native cigarettes from Cigstore.ca are legally manufactured on First Nations reserves and are exempt from some federal flavor restrictions .

If you’re going through the effort of making DIY capsule cigarettes, starting with a quality base cigarette matters. Native cigarettes from Cigstore.ca are an excellent choice:

• 💰 Cost-effectiveness: At $29-55 per carton, you’re not wasting money on expensive commercial cigarettes that you’ll then modify. A pack-a-day DIY smoker saves over $4,000 per year by starting with native instead of commercial brands.
• 🌿 Additive-free: Native cigarettes contain no propylene glycol or glycerin, which means the filter absorbs capsule flavors more cleanly without chemical interference.
• 🔧 Filter construction: Native cigarette filters are standard cellulose acetate — the same material used in commercial cigarettes — making them perfectly compatible with crush ball insertion.
• 🪶 Legal availability: Native cigarettes are legally available for online purchase and delivery across Canada, with age verification at delivery.

❓ Can I reuse capsules?

No — each capsule is designed for single use. Once crushed, the liquid is released and cannot be re-capsulated.

❓ How many capsules come in a pack?

Typical packages contain 50 to 100 capsules [citation:10]. Prices range from $10 to $30 depending on flavor variety and brand.

❓ Will the capsule affect draw resistance?

Properly inserted capsules should not significantly affect airflow. If you notice a tight draw, you may have inserted the capsule too deeply or not created a large enough pilot hole.

❓ Can I use capsules with slim or super-slim cigarettes?

Yes — many insertion tools are designed to work with both regular and slim cigarettes. Look for tools that specify compatibility with “normal size and thin cigarettes” [citation:9].

❓ Do capsules expire?

Yes — most capsules have a shelf life of 12-24 months. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The liquid inside can evaporate over time, reducing flavor intensity.

❓ Can I add more than one capsule per cigarette?

Technically possible, but not recommended. Adding multiple capsules can make the filter too dense and affect draw resistance. One properly positioned capsule provides plenty of flavor.