It is estimated that 600,000 Australians currently self-medicate with cannabis, with chronic pain a leading indication for such use.

Patients prescribed high doses of opioids need to be managed appropriately to reduce risks of morbidity and mortality.

Beliefs about the usefulness of initiatives to reduce opioid prescribing in clinical practice and autonomy in prescribing may be important considerations in driving compliance.

Depot buprenorphine supported more than half of patients to remain in treatment, while allowing some flexibility in dose interval.

Buprenorphine–naloxone is well tolerated by patients with chronic pain, and has the potential to improve pain scores and affective symptoms.