Matt, poverty weed is very forgiving when it comes to seasoning. You can force dry it, peeled or unpeeled, in less that 3 months. You can hand straighten during the drying process without heat. Of course, use heat to straighten when dry.
I've left unpeeled shoots in a hot car. Not sure if the peeled shoots would be OK in a hot car, though. But normal summer heat is not a problem. I seal the ends with titebond.