Queensland can't wait for the Federal Government needs its own prescription monitoring system to prevent "doctor shopping" amid a growing opioid crisis.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced $16 million in funding for one last July, but QLD Coroner James McDougall told an inquest that Queensland needs to "urgently" implement its own program within two years.

"The number of deaths that will occur in the interim whilst implementation is taking place is alarming," he said, as quoted by the ABC.  "Coronial statistics indicate an annual death toll from prescription opioids approaching 1,500 people each year and increasing.

"Given the growing epidemic associated with opioid misuse, the states and territories need to take responsibility for addressing the increasing issues associated with the prescribing, dispensing and monitoring of drugs of dependence."

He also says doctors will need extra training when it comes to prescribing schedule 8 medicines such as fentanyl and oxycodone, and that authorities should consider banning the promotion of the substances to doctors.