Judge Elwood S. McKenny '38, who said last week that he would sample cocaine before he hands down a ruling in a cocaine possession case, has changed his mind about trying the drug.

McKenney said that he would try the cocaine under clinical supervision to determine whether the drug is harmful, addictive or has prolonged side effects.

But McKenney has decided not to test the drug himself because the situation has turned into a "circus act," Joseph S. Oteri, the defense attorney in the case, said yesterday.

The unique case originated last month when Oteri moved that his defendant's cocaine possession charge be dismissed on the grounds that the state statute for cocaine possession is unconstitutional.

"I am disappointed that he changed his mind, but I can understand his decision," Oteri said yesterday. "The whole thing was getting out of hand."

Oteri added that it will be at least two weeks before McKenney hands down a decision which will be made without the test results.