In the sprawling world of Grand Theft Auto 5, players encounter a diverse range of missions, some thrilling, some mundane, and some downright wacky. One such mission that often sparks questions and frustration is “Grass Roots,” a seemingly simple task for Franklin that turns into a chaotic chase for weed. 

This article delves deep into the “Grass Roots” mission, providing a comprehensive guide and exploring the reasons behind its notoriety among GTA 5 players.

The Lowdown on “Grass Roots”

“Grass Roots” is a Strangers & Freaks mission unlocked after completing “Reunited” in the main story. Players take control of Franklin as he receives a call from Barry, a nervous conspiracy theorist obsessed with a new strain of potent marijuana. Barry tasks Franklin with picking up two weed stashes from different locations in Los Santos.

Mission Objectives:

Pick up the first stash: Located near a storm drain close to the Vespucci Beach lifeguard tower.

Deliver the first stash to Barry: Drop it off at the marked location near the Kortz Center.

Pick up the second stash: Located in a factory parking lot in the industrial district of Davis.

Deliver the second stash to Barry (prepare for a chase!): 

Upon grabbing the second stash, the Los Santos Police Department (LSPD) will be alerted, initiating a high-speed chase. Franklin must evade the cops and deliver the weed to Barry.

The “Grass Roots” Challenge: Why is it so Frustrating?

While the mission itself seems straightforward, “Grass Roots” has earned a reputation for being tricky for several reasons:

Sneaky Stash Locations: 

Both weed stashes are tucked away in inconspicuous locations. The first one requires players to carefully navigate the storm drain area, and the second is hidden within a maze-like industrial complex.

Frantic Police Chase:  

The biggest challenge arises during the second delivery.  The moment Franklin picks up the weed, the LSPD is alerted, and a relentless police chase ensues.  This chase often catches players off guard, especially if they’re unprepared with a fast car or haven’t unlocked helpful abilities like bullet time.

Unforgiving Time Limit: 

The chase comes with a strict time limit, adding pressure to navigate the streets while evading the police.

Franklin’s Vanilla Stats: 

Early in the game, Franklin’s driving and shooting skills might not be fully upgraded, making the chase even more challenging.

Tips to Conquer “Grass Roots” Like a Pro

Here are some strategies to ensure a smooth ride through “Grass Roots”:

Vehicle Choice:  

Before starting the mission, ensure you have access to a fast and maneuverable car.  Early game options include high-performance vehicles like the Dominator or the Felon GT.

Stock Up on Weapons:  

Having a good arsenal is crucial.  Equipping Franklin with a powerful assault rifle or a shotgun can help eliminate pursuing police vehicles quickly.

Stock Up on Armor:  

Investing in body armor helps Franklin survive any stray bullets during the chase.

The Power of Planning:  

Before picking up the second stash, scout the escape route.  Familiarize yourself with the surrounding alleys, shortcuts, and hidden cover points to utilize during the chase.

The Art of Evasion:  

During the chase, prioritize losing the cops over reaching the destination in a straight line.  Use tight corners, jumps, and underpasses to your advantage.  The police AI can struggle to keep up with sharp turns and creative maneuvering.

Special Ability Savvy:  

If you’ve unlocked any special abilities for Franklin, use them wisely.  Franklin’s ability to slow down time (“Bullet Time”) can be a game-changer during the chase, allowing for more precise aiming and evasive maneuvers.

The Power of Police Bribery: 

(Optional & Risky)  If  you have unlocked the ability to bribe the police through the “Paparazzi – The Sex Tape” mission,  you can use it to instantly end the chase.  However, this method comes with a hefty price tag, so use it as a last resort.

FAQs

Q: Where can I find weed stashes in GTA Online?

There are a total of 50 hidden weed stashes scattered across Los Santos and Blaine County.

Q: Do the stashes respawn after I collect them?

No, once you collect a weed stash, it won’t respawn in that location.

Q: Is there a specific character I need to play as to find the stashes?

Nope! All three protagonists (Franklin, Michael, and Trevor) can find and collect weed stashes.

Q: How much money do I get for collecting a weed stash?

The value of each stash varies, typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

Q: Is there a way to increase the value of the weed stashes?

Unfortunately, there’s no known way to directly increase the value of individual stashes.

Q: Does collecting all 50 stashes have any benefits besides the money?

Yes! Completing the “Grass Routes” collection by finding all 50 stashes unlocks a special “Stash Container” decoration for your safehouse.

Q: Can I sell the weed I find in the stashes?

No, the weed you collect from the stashes cannot be sold to any shops or characters in the game.

Q: Then what’s the point of collecting them?

The primary purpose is to collect the cash reward and unlock the safehouse decoration.

Q: Are there any other ways to make money from weed in GTA Online?

Yes! Participating in specific missions or activities involving Trevor and the “Nervous Ron” character can lead to larger weed-related profits.

Q: Are there any challenges or achievements related to weed stashes?

While there’s no specific achievement for collecting all stashes, it contributes to 100% game completion.

Q: Do the stashes appear in GTA 5 Story Mode?

No, the weed stashes are exclusive to GTA Online.

Q: Is there a way to track my progress on finding the stashes?

The in-game stats menu might not show weed stash collection progress. However, some online maps allow you to mark collected stashes for easier tracking.

Q: Can I get in trouble with the police for carrying weed I find in the stashes?

No, there’s no penalty for simply having weed from the stashes in your inventory.

Q: But what about if the police see me collecting a stash?

Police might react if they witness you picking up a stash, potentially leading to a wanted level. Be discreet!

Q: Are there any online communities dedicated to finding weed stashes?

GTA Online forums and communities often have discussions and guides related to finding all collectibles, including weed stashes.

Q: Is there any lore behind the weed stashes in GTA 5?

There’s no official lore explanation, but some fans speculate they could be connected to specific characters or gangs.

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