U.S. smoking rates are down, according to CDC research, but states could do a lot more to snuff out the smoke.

"Tobacco tax increases are one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking and other tobacco use, especially among kids," says the advocacy group Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids. Every 10 percent increase in cigarette prices, the organization says, reduces youth smoking by about seven percent, and total cigarette use by about four percent.

Which state has the country's highest cigarette tax? New York takes the cake. Its $4.35-per-pack tax is far above the national average of $1.46. But some states opt to tax much lower than that.

How low? Keep clicking to see which 15 states have the lowest cigarette tax rates...