Danger with Rye Mash

[Mollie 2004]

I read someplace a while back that their is danger in using Rye for mash. Is their any truth to this or does it need to be mashed in a different way? I do not recall were I got that info.
Thanks in advance for the help

[NZChris]

What is Rhye?

MOD EDIT : fixed

[Yummyrum]

Rye maybe Chris

Does Ergot ring a bell ?

[Mollie 2004]

Sorry about the spelling error. Still need info Thanks

[Stonecutter]

Are you growing your own rye or planning on using rye from a source other than a HBS?

[MooseMan]

Rye maybe Chris

Does Ergot ring a bell ?

St Anthony's fire, not heard a reference to that in a long time!

Even if you managed to get enough of the fungus infected grain to mash, would the psychoactive even survive fermentation and distillation?

[Twisted Brick]

The process of mashing rye whiskey at home isn't dangerous, but does require an understanding of the unique characteristics rye grain presents. There are many threads rich with recipes, processes and guardrails to successfully mashing and fermenting rye for whiskey.

This should be a good start:

homedistiller mashing rye whiskey

It is generally recommended to become proficient at mashing other grains prior to tackling rye.

[NZChris]

Rye maybe Chris

Does Ergot ring a bell ?

St Anthony's fire, not heard a reference to that in a long time!

Even if you managed to get enough of the fungus infected grain to mash, would the psychoactive even survive fermentation and distillation?

This says, yes.
https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/ergot/

The ethanol distillation process also has the potential to concentrate ergot alkaloids.

[Mollie 2004]

Are you growing your own rye or planning on using rye from a source other than a HBS?

I comes from a large organic grower in Northern Wisconsin. I plan to malt it

[Stonecutter]

As Twisted stated above a good understanding of what you’re working with is the first step.
Not sure where you’re from, in the States there’s laws against selling or taking in ergot infected rye but just like mercury in the fish, e-coli in the veggies, avian flu, tainted water etc, etc. there’s an inherent danger in every consumable these days, albeit ergot is a much older problem.
I’d say worst case once you come down from your trip you could sue but it might be a tough case convincing the Justice system of your innocence

[greggn]

I plan to malt it

Plan to kiln it, too.

[tombombadil]

It burns easily.
So it's difficult to cook, mash, distill on direct heat without burning.
Steam is your friend.
Or a double boiler or jacketed setup.