Alberta's justice minister is travelling to Colorado Thursday to talk to officials about how they dealt with the legalization of marijuana in their state.

During her three-day visit, Kathleen Ganley plans to meet with the state's attorney general, officials from the city of Denver, Denver police and the Denver Fire Department.

She will also be talking to environmental health workers plus building and licensing experts.

The federal Liberals intend to legalize pot in the spring of 2017. According to an Alberta government news release, the provinces have not yet heard what role they will play in developing a regulatory framework.

Colorado legalized cannabis in January 2014. Ganley wants to hear what officials learned so Alberta can develop a framework.

"It's vital for our government to be prepared and educated on the issue of legalizing marijuana and we're eager to hear from experts in this field," Ganley said in a news release. "We want to learn from Colorado's experiences and any challenges regarding the process of legalization."

Ganley is travelling with one staff member. The cost of the trip is estimated at just over $4,000.