SAMHSA said that 49 of 50 states met the legislative goal of cutting illicit sales to minors to 20 percent or less; 43 percent of states had noncompliance rates of 15 percent or less, and 21 states had noncompliance rates of 10 percent or less.

Only Kansas -- with a 38-percent noncompliance rate -- missed the 20-percent goal. The state has pledged to direct more resources towards cutting sales to minors in a bid to avoid losing a portion of its federal block-grant funds.

The figures are based on unannounced inspections of tobacco retailers.

"As a nation, we have made great strides in reducing tobacco use among youth. The progress states have made in reducing youth access to tobacco products is truly commendable," said SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie.

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